People v. Western Manufacturers' Mutual Insurance

This is an action of debt for penalties under the act relating to insurance approved June 4, 1879, arranged, as Sec. 45 to 48, Chap. 73, Starr & C. Ill. Stats. As stated in the brief of appellants, “ the main question for determination on the record * * * is whether the appellants had the right to the production of the books of the appellee * * * at the trial.” The appellant claimed the right under Sec. 9, Chap. 51, R. S. 1872.

Nakedly, by itself, that section is broad enough to confer upon the courts the power to compel the production of the books, but it does not require the courts to…