Legal Definitions - writ of debt

A writ of debt is a legal document used to adjudicate claims involving fixed sums of money. It is a common-law writ that allows a court to determine the amount of money owed by one party to another.

For example, if John owes Jane $500, Jane can use a writ of debt to sue John and ask the court to order him to pay the debt. The court will then determine the amount owed and issue a judgment in favor of Jane.

Writs of debt are typically used in cases where there is a clear and specific amount of money owed, such as unpaid loans, rent, or bills. They are not used for debts that are uncertain or disputed.