Each overlooking one or more colonies, they were involved in maritime law. The court operated so that there were no jurors present during the trial and instead the judge acted as both judge and jury during the trial. They heard all the evidence presented to them and reached a verdict as to whether the accused was guilty or not. This removed any impartiality a jury would need and left the verdict up to the judge's bias. They were supposed to resolve conflicts between merchants and sailors, while strengthening trade..