What is "sessions of the peace"

Session \Ses"sion\, n. [L. sessio, fr. sedere, sessum, to sit: cf. F. session. See Sit.]

1. The act of sitting, or the state of being seated.

   So much his ascension into heaven and his session at the right hand of God do import.
   --Hooker.

   But Viven, gathering somewhat of his mood, . . . Leaped from her session on his lap, and stood.
   --Tennyson.

2. The actual sitting of a court, council, legislature, etc., or the actual assembly of the members of such a body, for the transaction of business.

   It's fit this royal session do proceed.
   --Shak.

3. Hence, also, the time, period, or term during which a court, council, legislature, etc., meets daily for business; or, the space of time between the first meeting and the prorogation or adjournment; thus, a session of Parliaments is opened with a speech from the throne, and closed by prorogation. The session of a judicial court is called a term.

   It was resolved that the convocation should meet at the beginning of the next session of Parliament.
   --Macaulay.

   Note: Sessions, in some of the States, is particularly used as a title for a court of justices, held for granting licenses to innkeepers, etc., and for laying out highways, and the like; it is also the title of several courts of criminal jurisdiction in England and the United States.

   Church session, the lowest court in the Presbyterian Church, composed of the pastor and a body of elders elected by the members of a particular church, and having the care of matters pertaining to the religious interests of that church, as the admission and dismission of members, discipline, etc.

   Court of Session, the supreme civil court of Scotland.

   Quarter sessions. (Eng.Law) See under Quarter.

   Sessions of the peace, sittings held by justices of the peace. [Eng.]