The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science Volume 51-52 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1914 edition. Excerpt: ... LEGAL PROCEDURE IN ENGLAND By John L. Griffiths, Consul-General of the United States, London, England. In reviewing the administration of justice in any country, the most important thing to consider perhaps is the character of the judiciary. This is especially true of England, where the judges take a far more active part than they do in America in the trial of causes, and where they are far more outspoken in their comments on the evidence. The contrast between the manner of choosing judges in the two countries is very striking. The judges in England are appointed to serve during good behavior; they are paid adequate salaries, and upon retirement are provided with substantial pensions. The lord high chancellor receives an annual compensation of 10,000; the lord chief justice 8,000; the members of the high court of justice 5,000; the county court judges 1,500; and the magistrates of the Metropolitan (London) police courts as a rule 1,500. Justices of the peace serve without pay; they deal with minor cases, usually of a criminal nature, although they have a limited civil jurisdiction. In criminal prosecutions, where a grave offense is charged, and the justices are convinced of the probable guilt of the accused, it is their duty to bind him over for trial at the assizes. Political considerations, broadly speaking, have no weight in English judicial appointments, although in the case of men of equal merit the party in power would naturally be inclined to appoint a judge of its own political faith. An exception to the general rule is to be found in the case of the lord high chancellor, who retires from office with his party. His duties, however, are not purely judicial, as he presides over the deliberations of the House...