Legal Definitions - melius inquirendum

Melius inquirendum is a legal term that means "to be better inquired into." It refers to a writ that orders an escheator (a person who manages the property of someone who has died without a will) to investigate a matter further. This investigation may involve determining who the next heir of a party who died seised of lands is.

For example, if a person dies without a will and owns property, the escheator may need to determine who the rightful heir to that property is. In this case, a melius inquirendum writ may be issued to order the escheator to investigate the matter further and determine who the next heir is.

Another example of when a melius inquirendum writ may be used is in cases where there is a dispute over the ownership of property. The writ can be used to order an investigation into the matter to determine who the rightful owner is.

These examples illustrate how a melius inquirendum writ can be used to order an investigation into a matter to determine the rightful owner of property or the next heir of a party who died seised of lands.