Stannaries Act 1855

XVI Summary Suits for small Debts extended to Torts.

Whereas Actions for Debts not exceeding Fifty Pounds are now prosecuted summarily, and tried by Five Jurors only on the Common Law Side of the said Court, and it is expedient that the like Process and Trial be extended to other Actions, whether for Debt or Damages: Be it therefore enacted, That all or any Actions for Debts or Damages not exceeding Fifty Pounds, whether founded on Tort or Contract, for Causes within the Jurisdiction and Cognizance of the said Court, shall be prosecuted in a summary Way by Plaint, and tried by a Jury of Five Jurors, as is now used in Actions for small Debts in the said Court, except in Cases where the Vice-Warden shall permit or direct such Action to be by Writ of Summons ; and for the Purpose of improving the Procedure in such Actions by Plaint, it shall be lawful for the Vice-War den to. make and enforce Rules and Forms for Procedure, Practice, Pleading, and Taxation of Costs, and to adopt all or any of the Rules and Forms now or hereafter legally in force and use in the County Courts, with such Alterations as may be necessary to adapt them to the Jurisdiction of the Vice-Warden's Court.