In 1590 he became a member of the ecclesiastical Court of High Commission.
John Overall also served on the Court of High Commission.
The Court of High Commission was the supreme ecclesiastical court in England.
The case went to the Court of High Commission, the supreme judicial authority within the Church of England, which dismissed it.
He drew up articles aimed at nonconforming ministers, and obtained increased powers for the Court of High Commission.
The Court of High Commission came to be the primary means for disciplining Puritan clergy who refused to conform.
The Court of High Commission was also abolished at this time.
He then faced charges in the Court of High Commission, including forgery of a will.
His leadership of Puritan sympathizers brought him a summons to the Court of High Commission.
The Court of High Commission ruled against Sampson, after summoning him in 1565.
