¶1The 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.
1 Yeates 77
Weidimor v. Drissel
Decided September 15, 1791
Supreme Court of Pennsylvania · decided 1791-09-15
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.
Decided 1791-09-15