Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1843-12-23

Jyisdof,,a of Justices of the P,are-BaHk Iyarraaf~
The Legislature has manifested disposition TO extend
jurisdiction OF Justices Of the Peace; but there il
need OF reform in the present jurisdiction, than there for
its extension Il impossible render the admnistra-
ton OF Justice cheaper than it prcscnt-kccp pure
that's all the people want
practice prevails amongst Justices, Il know what
EXTENT Of signing baak TaraHfs, and autOrsng per-
hitting constables fill them up, whenever they shall have
occasion tn them. There be doubt that this
practice produces abundsny petty litigation, than
necessity requires. The Constitution Of Justices Of the
Peace Virginia. Is calculated, and doubtless intend
3D. discourage litigation; for they receive compensa
for their services, aud have no nduccncni TO encou
rage litigation amongst their neishbors. Not with the
constabethe litigation there is, the the
profits of his Office and. aided by qure Of blank warrants
signed by Justice he has 1t in his power whole
community hy the Thus, in effect, subecng IN,
people the OF feed Justices OF the Peace than
which, but few greater be imagined. Ii Justices
received fee for every warrant they issued there would be
more issued than this practice occasions.
The issuing OF warrants ct anv description, u mpng-
tant function OF the Office OF Justice OF the peace duty
which he ought To perform IN thc exercise OF sound dis
cretOn, and the hands OF others. Let tins
he observed in all cases, and contention will often be left
uff before is meddcd with" will conduce peace
and harmony OF neghbourhoods often warrant each
other through malice which the prudent Justice will neither
countcnance encourage. But the constable for
none of these things lie thankful for such CUSTOM and
with his blank warrants at hand, he is prepared f
ders Of tins description the shortest notice"
Many claims put into the hands OF the constable for
collection without warrant but his profits would be IN.
creased by bringing is hard for him withstand
the temptation OF filling up blank Besides, the constable
is eroeio skGrer, aud gathers up little claims,
all of which he Is tempted order toincressc
his per Dispense with signing blank warrants
this temptation would be removed for forbidden his
oath Of Office for justice direct his the pan
The passage OF law prohibiting Justices OF the Peace
from signing blank warrants. would doubtless lead
Inconvenience but where the Justice with the milk OF
human kindness IN his composition" tina, would
ter tins and too relieve his poor but honest neigh
hours from harassng and unnecessary
ii such there be- il would be good de.verance he
put out of the commission.
The Legislature Of late years has done much the
lief of the poor from oppression; and hoped will
permit this sublec; pass unnoticed The subject
wise earnestly recommended the consideration Jus.
ices ct the Peace, and they agrce in opinion witt, me-
IS hoped they will, future refrain from sgnEr blank
warrants.
design TO reflection constabrs. Ia general,
they worthy class ef mcna! have in view
move the temptation to which they exposed FsTs
eorruptng in their nauro-ey corrupted nearly every Jus
ice OF the Peace in Kentucky; and it is difficult for Con
stables to escape their corniping influence.
A JUSTICE OF THE PEACE.