Petite Assize
The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary · Walter A. Shumaker and George Foster Longsdorf; ed. James C. Cahill · 1922
The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary
Used in contradistinction from the "grand assize," which was a jury to decide on questions of property. Petite assize, a jury to decide on questions of possession. Britt. c.
42; Glanv. lib. 2, c. 6, 7; Home, Mir. lib. 2, c. "De Novel Disseisin."
PETITIO (Lat. from petere, to ask or demand). In the Civil Law. The plaintiff's or actor's statement of his cause of action, in an action in rem.
Dig. 44. 7.
28; Calv. Lex. In Old English Law. Petition or demand; the count in a real action; the form with the word peto (q. v.) 1 Reeve, Hist. Eng. Law, 176. Obviously borrowed from the civil law.