What is "trial by inspection"

Inspection \In*spec"tion\, n. [L. inspectio: cf. F. inspection.]

1. The act or process of inspecting or looking at carefully; a strict or prying examination; close or careful scrutiny; investigation.
   --Spenser.

   With narrow search, and with inspection deep, Considered every creature.
   --Milton.

2. The act of overseeing; official examination or superintendence.

   Trial by inspection (O. Eng. Law), a mode of trial in which the case was settled by the individual observation and decision of the judge upon the testimony of his own senses, without the intervention of a jury.
   --Abbott.