Teste Of A Writ

Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia

John Bouvier; revised by Francis Rawle · 1914

The concluding clause, commencing with the word tcitness, etc. A signature in attestation of the fact that a writ is issued by authority. A writ which bears the teste is sometimes said to be tested. The act of congress of May 8, 1792, directs that all writs and process issuing from the supreme or a circuit court shall boar tesie of the chief justice of the supreme court, or, if that office be vacant, of the associate justice next in precedence; and that all writs of process issuing from a district court shall bear teste of the judge of such court, or, if the said office be vacant, of the clerk thereof. See R. S. §§ 911, 912.

Black's Law Dictionary

Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910

In practice. The concluding clause, cemmencing with the word "Witness," etc. A writ which bears the teste is sometimes said to be tested. "Teste" is a word commonly used in the last part of every writ, wherein the date is contained, beginning with the words, "Teste meipso," meaning the sovereign, if the writ be an original writ, or be issued in the name of the sovereign; but, if the writ be a judicial writ, then the word "Teste" is followed by the name of the chief judge of the court in which the action is brought, or, in case of a vacancy of such office, in the name of the senior puisne judge. Mozley & Whitley.