36 
Indiana University Studies 
in equity; for obtaining extraordinary legal remedies, 
prerogative writs ; for obtaining damages, in the so-called code 
states a formless action, called the civil action, and under the 
common law procedure either a tort action or a contract action. 
The contract actions are covenant, for damages for breach 
of a contract under seal; debt, for the recovery of a sum 
certain due by simple contract; specialty, record, or statute; 
special assumpsit (an action on the case in the nature of 
deceit) for the recovery of damages for the breach of an 
express contract and breaches of some obligations not con- 
tracts imposed by law (public callings, etc.) ; and general 
assumpsit (an action on the case in the nature of debt) for 
the recovery of damages for the breach of quasi-contracts 
and inferred contracts. The tort actions are trespass for the 
recovery of damages for direct, forceful injury to person or 
possession of property (in the case of property by one not in 
possession) ; trespass on the case for damages to personal 
property by independent agents of harm, or negligence ; trover 
(an action on the case in the nature of detinue) for damages 
for the conversion of chattels; case (a residual action in torts 
comparable with indebtatus assumpsit in contracts) for the 
recovery of damages for slander, libel, nuisance, deceit, waste. 
