Case ID: yeates_1/html/0077-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "\n      Per Cur.\n    ", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

Melchoir Weidimor against John Drissel. Jacob Stover against same. Anthony Lear against same.
    Justices of the peace have jurisdiction, when damages occasioned by the biting of a dog have been ascertained by reference.
    Certiorari to John Barclay, esq. of Bucks county. The facts were admitted to be these in all the causes: — Defendant kept a dog which used to bite sheep, and actually killed sheep of each of the plaintiffs. On complaint justice Barclay issued his summons, but being informed that he had no jurisdiction, discontinued the suits, and recommended a reference to arbitrators. This was agreed to, and the arbitrators awarded to each of the plaintiffs certain sums of money. The defendant refusing to comply with the awards, the justice sued him, and gave judgments for the plaintiffs.
    Mr. Wilcocks, pro quer.
    
    Messrs. Sergeant and Rawle, pro def.
    
   Per Cur.

The justice had jurisdiction when the damages were ascertained by reference. Previous thereto he had not jurisdiction, the word “demands,” having always been restrained to such as arose ex contractu and not ex delicto. So, if one * indebted for rent gives a note for the amount, it may be well sued before a justice. Det the judgment be confirmed.