ABSTRACT
Whenever the meaning of words arises, however technical or obscure, then, unless there is some dispute about it, it is common practice for the court to inform itself by any means that is reliable and ready to hand. Counsel usually give any necessary explanation, or reference may be made to a dictionary.29 For the purposes of more complicated inquiries, reference may be made to such sources as reports of earlier cases, certificates from responsible officials, letters from Secretaries of State or statements made in court by counsel on their behalf, works of reference and the oral statements of witnesses. The cases show that such inquiries have generally been made in at least three types of case: where information is required about current political or diplomatic matters; about historical facts; and about customs, including professional practices.
