E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Jedwood Justice.
Putting an obnoxious person to death first, and trying him afterwards. This sort of justice was dealt to moss-troopers. Same as Jedburgh justice, Jeddart justice. We have also “Cupar justice” and “Abingdon law.” Of the last we are told that Major-General Brown, in the Common-wealth, hanged a man first and tried him afterwards.
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“Jedwood justice—hang in haste and try at leisure.”—Scott: Fair Maid of Perth, chap. xxxii.
