The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1828-04-03
To the People NJ Virginia.
COyVENPION--No. H.

! prom So s a scrend branch Of my enquiry,
ftllow citizens, 10 offer gau few suggestions in
relation to the poleerS and tenure Of the Judges
On this subject, | shah have 10 speak with revp-
rental caution, for (ear some of their h0nOrs
NAV have me Sted and arraigned, for con-
tempt of court These honorable fuuCtionareS
stand far above the reach of public opinion, and
are not, like other public servants amenahe 10
the people for their errors They are, in fact,
independent of any one, bat no one is indrpeu-
dent ofthem. Neither their public acts can be
ccnsnred, not their private outrages resented :;
for, whether the official neglect OF a certain
chancellor be complained of, OF the rude insults
Of a certain Judge be repealed, we are equally
liabl. TO such sentence OF punishment as Ia no.
R0g's wounded dignity or burning recruitment
may urge him to Irnpose--and this authority We
are obliged to submit To, or appeal 10 tribunal
which every principle Of self interest and love of
power will induce to sustain the powers and jus
tifv the usurpations fthe Judges.
But we are todthat independence is necessary
10 the judiciary in order 10 place them beyond
the mower and influence of artful demagogues,
and tn enable them ~ decide controversies with
impartaity, and without fear from the power
full and wealthy. But he same reason might he
gwen in relation TO any other department OF the
Government. 1.-THE responsibility Of the Exec
them corrupt and too dependent on the improper
Influence of particular characters aud families
we had better give them all life estates IN their
offices. The people are as much interested, II
not more so, 10 the character and conduct OF
their Judges. as they IRE in any other officers,
and they should have the same privilege OF pas
sing sentence of praise or ceusure on them. Al
present, Judge in Virginia is like the King OF
England, he can do no wrong orIt he does and
you tell him of it, he viii not It's true, condemn
YOU for hie treason hut he will deprive You Of
both property and liberty, at his wi-Are these
the expressions of idle fear and the assertion of
ideal evils Let any man examine his own feel
ings. when in the pre- spnce of Judge, either in
private circles, or sitting on hIs woolsack, dres'
Sed in the robes and wigs Of Office let any man
mark the naughty carriage Of "A lndge IS he
walks through fbe court yard. and the submis-
sive actions and looks approaching 10 awe, which
are produced among the crowd as he passes, and
say whether Judge is in tact the servant or the
Uncontrolled and uncomfortable ruler of the
people Let any man look upon certain iudi-
vduaiS in the judiciary, who have neither the
good breeding Of gentlemen, the love Of justice
which should prompt them 10 attempt, nor the
ability which would enable them 10 discharge the
duties of their office, and say whether tins lofty
bearing in Judge proceeds always from the
proud sense OF virtue, or the consciousness OF
power. whether this obedience. among the pco-
pie arises in every instance from the reverence
due to virtue and talents, or from the fear OF au-
ihority
But it rs urged. that ifyou make the Judiciary
more responsible, We shall sec our judges cleo
tinneering with whsteg- drinkers, and acting
scenes unbecomng the dignity Of theT office.
such cohduct would not be necessary to W.
,uouS & able magistrate neither is 1t necessary
il The f,rthfal delegate or representative Inc
confidence ofthe people may be mos caS'y gam
cd BY faithful execution of their trusts man
ny Joining hem in the reyels OF a grog.-shop
Judge rrav, Ike representative, acquire 'epu-
f.,ion Tor integrity and ability when w'i' sup,