(A) comm. law. The examination of certain articles made by law subject to such examination, so that they may be declared fit for commerce. The decision of the inspectors is not final; the object of the law is to protect the community from fraud, and to preserve the character of the merchandise abroad. (B) practice. Examination. 2. The inspection of all public records is free to all persons who have an interest in them, upon payment of the usual fees. (C) The examination or testing of food, fluids, or other articles made subject by law to such examination, to ascertain their fitness for use or commerce. Also the examination by a private person of public records and documents; or of the books and papers of his opponent in an action, for the purpose of better preparing his own case for tria. Inspection laws. Laws authorising and directing the inspection and examination of various kinds of merchandise intended for sale, especially food, with a view to ascertaining its fitness for use, and excluding unwholesome or unmarketable goods from sale, and directing the appointment of official inspectors for that purpose. See Const. U. S. art. 1. 8 10, d. 2; Story, Const. 1017, et seq. Gibbons v. Ogden. 9 Wheat. 202, 6 L. Ed. 23; Clintsmaa v. Northrop, 8 Cow. (N. Y.) 45; Patapsco Guano Co. v. Board of Agriculture. 171 U. S. 345, 18 Sun. Ct. 862, 41 L. Ed. 191; Turner v. State, 55 Md. 263. Inspection of documents. This phrase refers to the right of a party, in a civil action, to inspect and make copies of documents which are essential or material to the maintenance of his cause, and which are either in the custody of an officer of the law or in the possession of the adverse party. Inspection, trial by. A mode of trial formerly in use in England, by which the judges of a court decided a point in dispute, upon the testimony of their own senses, without the intervention of a jury. This took place In cases where the fact npon which issue was taken must from its nature, be evident to the court from ocular demonstration, or other irrefragable proof; and was adopted for the greater expedition of a cause. 3 Bl. Comm.