English Dictionary

Process of Venire facias ad respondendum is a writ addressed to the Sheriff, commanding him that he cause the party who is the object of it to come before the Barons of the Exchequer on a day certain (either a general or a special return day) to answer the suitor of a plea of debt, (&c.) […] At this day the Venire facias is regarded and used (like all other mesne process) in this department of the Court as a mere measure of compelling appearance or bringing a party before the Court, differing from other mesne process only in tenor and form, not in object or ultimate effect; and it has no distinct influence on subsequent proceedings. […] The following is the form of the Venire facias: William the Fourth, by the grace of God, of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland King, Defender of the Faith, To the Sheriff of [county] greeting.—We command you that you omit not by reason of any liberty of your county, but that you enter the same, and cause [the defendant's name] to come before the Barons of our Exchequer at Westminster […]