“Any justices of the peace, by virtue of their commission, or those who are ex officio conservators of the peace … may demand such security according to their own discretion: or it may be granted at the request of any subject, upon due cause shewn …. Or, if the justice is averse to act, it may be granted by a mandatory writ, called a supplicavit, issuing out of the court of king’s bench or chancery; which will compel the justice to act, as a ministerial and not as a judicial officer ….” 4 William Blackstone, Commentaries on the Laws of England 250 (1769).
supplicavit
supplicavit (s[schwa]p-li-kay-vit). Hist. A writ issued by the King’s Bench or Chancery for taking sureties of the peace, obligating a person to be on good behavior for a specified period. • It is commonly directed to the justices of the peace who are hesitant to intervene in their judicial capacities. See surety of the peace under SURETY.
