 The jury, the accused, and those claiming that their property had been stolen, were brought together in a room at the bailiff's house.No oaths were administered and there was no judge or defence counsel present; each side presented their case, and the jury decided on guilt or innocence.The law was applied so strictly that anyone who apprehended a thief with his property was not allowed to recover it unless the miscreant and the stolen goods were presented to the bailiff.