ABSTRACT
In seeking to define the Parlemen’s early structure, even in the broadest terms, due weight must also be given to the element of fluidity which remained characteristic of the court even at the time of Philip the Fair’s death. For the first time it is possible to catch a glimpse of the Parlemen’s future organization, with its permanent chambers, the Grand’ Chambre, the Enquetes and the Requetes. In cases coming to the Parlement on appeal from the bailiwicks, the bailiff concerned was accustomed to assist the court in deciding on the validity of the appeal; in other words, he helped to pass judgment on his own verdict. From 1318, for example, there was only one session of the Parlement each year, commencing on 12 November, the day following the feast of St Martin, and ending at an indeterminate date in the succeeding summer.
