Inquiry, Writ Of

Inquiry, writ of. This is a writ addressed to the sheriff of the county in which the venue is laid, stating the proceedings in an action, and 'because it is unknown what damages the plaintiff has sustained,' commanding the sheriff that, by the oath of twelve men of his county, he diligently inquire into the same, and return the inquisition into court. The writ is necessary after an interlocutory judgment, the defendant having let judgment go by default, to ascertain the quantum of damages.

By (English) R.S.C.1883, Ord. XIII., r. 5, it is provided that where the defendant fails to appear and the plaintiff's claim is for detention of goods and damages, or either of them, interlocutory judgment may be entered, and a writ of inquiry shall issue to assess the value of the goods and the damages, or the damages only, as the case may be; see also Ord. XXXVI., r. 57. By Ord. XXXIII., r. 2, the Court or a judge may at any stage of the proceedings in a cause or matter direct any necessary inquiries or accounts to be made or taken. Inquiries may be made in district registries. [(English) Jud. Act, 1873, s. 66]