PLYMOUTH |
The Encyclopaedia of Plymouth History |
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Mayor choosing in 1819 was a rather complicated affair. First the current Mayor and Aldermen chose two men -- it would only have been men in those days -- to be what were called Alsurers. The Common Councilmen also selected two men to be Alsurers representing their interests. Those four men would then select a jury of thirty-six men, who would in turn elect the new Mayor. In a few instances this process failed, when the jury was equally divided between two candidates. If one side or the other would not back down, then the Corporation was forced to appoint its Mayor by a writ of mandamus.
A mandamus is a court order issued by a higher or superior court to a lower court to perform mandatory or other duties correctly. Sources:
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