peers, trial by Under Magna Carta (UK) a man was entitled to the judgment of his peers (i.e., those of the same rank). Peer was apparently misinterpreted as refering to the barons. A peer could be tried before the House of Lords Thus, Lord De Clifford was tried and acquitted of manslaughter in 1935. Trial by peers in cases of in 1935. Trial by peers in cases of treason and felony was abolished in the UK under the C.J.A. 1948, s. 30.