This, I am afraid is a bit vague... I don't have time to provide quotes, but it is my strong impression that the Quarter Sessions was more than just a court session. As Cheryl has said, it was also a time of social gatherings, "fairs" and other meetings. I do recall that some quarter sessions (other than the Taunton ones, I'm not sure about Taunton) were used as a rendezvous between members of parliament and their constituents to spread the news about new laws being passed and how best to apply them. As such, it would be a good excuse for country lawyers like Mr Sheppard to get up to date, to lobby MP's on behalf of their (baronet!) clients, and generally "network" and "schmoose". Can't you just see Mr Sheppard schmoosing? ;-)