Submit Information on This Surname for a Chance to Win a $100 Genealogy DNA TestDNA test information. An Englishing of Gaelic MacMhurchaidh, 'son of Murchadh,' Englished Murdoch. Fowill Morthoison was burgess of Inverness, 1452 (Invernessiana, p. 122). John Murchosone was witness in Peebles, 1473 (Peebles, 24).
Writ of trespass on the case. WRIT OF TRESPASS ON THE CASE, practice. A writ which lies where a party sues for damages for any wrong or cause of complaint to which covenant or trespass will not apply. See 3 Woodes. 167; Steph. Pl. 15. 2. This action originates in the power given by the statute of Westm.
From the beginning a defendant convicted of trespass was fined; a defendant who could not pay the fine was imprisoned. The fine in this criminal proceeding developed into an award of damages to the plaintiff. This change marked the beginning of tort action under the common law.