The American Lawyer Volume 3 (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. 1895 Excerpt: ...believe that a republic could subsist at the present time if the influence of lawyers In public business did not increase in proportion to the power of the people," and again he observes that the legal profession in the United States Is "qualified by it3 powers, and even by its defects, to neutralize the vices which are inherent in popular government." l'ew persons probably realize the extent of the influence upon public questions exerted by this body of conservative men. The Influence is, of course, most apparent in the Judicial department. The Judges as a rule are lawyers, and it is not too much to say that their selection and continuance in office are practically in the hands of the bar. No man can hope for a Judicial career who lacks the confidence and respect of the profession. And. further, the reciprocal influence of bench and bar are j. reductive of the most Important results. Whatever is decided bv a court of last resort, after a full hearing and consideration, is accepted and acted upon by the bar as law; and this is so even where long cherished political theories are sweot away and lolltlcal purposes thwarted. It Is to the tar. on the other hand, that the bench looks for instruction and support. It has been truthfully said that "no decision whi--h the profession as a while does not accept as sound can hold a permanent place in our law." Indeed, what the lawyers pronounce against generally has iHtle chance of receiving even temporary recognition In the courts. The influence of which I speak is at once apparent to the Intelligent student of our institutions. Among the causes which have sustained the authority of the 1udiclary. Mr. Bryce, in his masterly work on "The American Commonwealth." mentions the streng...