Forms Of Action

The various classes of personal actions at common law, as assumpsit, trespass, case, detinue, trover, etc. (q. V.) The forms of action are now abolished in England by the judicature acts of 1873 and 1875, and in most of the United States.

This term comprehends the various classes of personal action at common law, viz.: trespass, case, trover, detinue, replevin, covenant, debt, assumpsit, scire facias, and revivor, as well as the nearly obsolete actions of account and annuity, and the modern action of mandamus. They are now abolished in England by the Judicature Acts of 1873 and 1875, and in many of the states of the United States, where a uniform course of proceeding under codes of procedure has taken their place. But the principles regulating the distinctions between the common-law actions are still found applicable even where the technical forms are abolished.

The general designation of the various species or kinds of personal actions known to the common law, such as trover, trespass, debt, assumpsit, etc. These differ in their pleadings and evidence, as well as in the circumstances to which they are respectively applicable. Truax v. Parvis, 7 Houst. (Del.) 330, 32 Atl. 227.

Defined under Form in Black's Law Dictionary.

The general designation of the various species or kinds of personal actions known to the common law, such as trover, trespass, debt, assumpsit, etc. These differ in their pleadings and evidence, as well as in the circumstances to which they are respectively applicable.