Opinion ID: 2351879
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Heading: Mechanic's Lien Delaware's Jurisprudence

Text: A mechanic's lien proceeding is entirely statutory in origin. Ceritano Brickwork, Inc. v. Kirkwood Industries, Inc., Del. Supr., 276 A.2d 267, 268 (1971). Because such actions are in derogation of the common law, Delaware courts have consistently held that the mechanic's lien statute must be strictly construed and pursued. Id. The ratio decidendi of those holdings is as follows: The right to obtain a lien is subject to certain restrictions, limitations and qualifications.... These statutory requirements are positive and substantial in character. It follows, therefore, that if the statement of claim fails to meet the requirements of the statute, the right to the lien is not implemented ... The court cannot assume to arrogate to itself the power to make a lien and thereby to destroy the provisions of the statute. E.J. Hollingsworth Co. v. Continental-Diamond Fibre Co., 36 Del. 303, 175 A. 266, 268 (1934).