Breaking a case
Black's Law Dictionary · Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
Black's Law Dictionary
The expression by the judges of a court, to one another, of their views of a case, in order to ascertain 'how far they are agreed, and as preliminary to the formal delivery of their opinions. "We are breaking the case, that we may show what is in doubt with any of us."
Holt, C. J., addressing Dol-bin, J., 1 Show. 423.