Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1851-01-24
VIRGINIA CosvENrIoN.
Propositis,. ef Mr.. HUNTER tsr co.nty csuft,
and Coantv Orgdnizafioh

E~fuLIll[loN
and CeHnty 01gani<atioh.
The coanty Courts as system, and upon he
footing Of constitutional courts to be preserved
but subject 70 the following notifications TO wit:
The Justices Of The Peace 10 be elected BY the peo-
pie and g serve icr The term Of two years. Each
nearly equal in territory and population as pfacii
cable not less than ten more than thirty in each
county one Justicelo be elected Tor each precinct
who shall reside in the same.
Forthe election Of Consiables, In like manner by
the people, i've OF more Of these precincts be uni
ted 70 give convenient number in each coun-
"; one Constable to be elected for each united pre-.
cinct, 70 remain in ONCE for the term as that
prescribed for Justices Of the Peace and 10 act a.
such overlthe whole OF the county
An Overseer Of the Poor and SnrYeyor Of Roads
for each precinct TO be elected BY the people 10 re-
main in ONCE for the same term as prescribed icr
Il Justices OF The Peace.
The election Of the foregoing ocers 10 be held 4,
the same time and within the respective precincts
/ For each county . Be elected BY the people,
4 Clerk oftRe County Court, Surveyor Of the eoun-
/ ty, a Commissioner Of the Revenue States AIior-
/ ney, and an Escheator, to remain IN Office respec
| lively as follows, towit: The Clerk for Eve years;
/ the Surveyor for 1--WE years ;sihe Commissioner Of
4 the Revenue for two years; States Attorney foe
4 TWO years and the Escheator for 1--WE years
Il Each otthe foregoing officers to Be re-eligible.
/ Sheriff in like manner 10 be elected by The peok
pie TO remain in office tor TWO years, and 10 be m
eligible for the term next succeeding at for which
I he acted such. Sherifs appointsls ill a vaean-
II cy, not 10 come under this restriction
L pecuniary assessment maid Of the county levy
10 be laid biennially by the County coun upon the
office OF Sheriff.
Vacancies occurring in any Of the foregoing OIL
ces TO be filled by the County Court, the appoinees
to continue in Office unt the next succeedingfegu-~
lar period oi election and the whole number OF Jus
jAtces to be summoned for the purpose Of making
such appointments.
II Justices Of the Peace 10 be compensated as may
Ne prescribed BY law, otherwise Than by receiving
fessfor services. The salaries and fees Of the 9TH
er aid officers to be fixed by law.
/ The jurisdiction Of Justices Of the Peace acting
singy, both civil and criminal tobe prescribed by
laws bss in civil matters not TO exceed, as 70 the
value oil NC thing in controversy, the sum Of SSV,-
CO.
The Office Coroner to be abolished and the JUS
tees Of The Peace in each precncl 10 act as Coro-
nefs in respect 10 persons coming tetheir death by
violence and IN case OF absence or inability TO act
any other Justice to act =
+ County Courts TO be held by the Justices Of the
Peace 10 consist of NOT less than three more than
six, exception the performance of duties connected
with the leyying and disbursingi the county levy,
the appointment of officers to supply vacancies and
such other special duties as may be prescribed by
I law. The Justices TO be so classified as To carry
4 cut the above object as to the number composing
I \ the courts. -.
| The jurisdiction and duties of the County ourts
Il 10 extend 70 all matters with which they now are
I or may be hereafter by law, invested or charged
4 except as hereinafter mentioned TO wit In eiyi
I III 10 cases WHeTc-
/ in the sum Of money specific property sought to
be recovered is Of greater value than one hundred
u dollars, Srto matters appertanng TO the probate Of
wills, or the appointment and duties Of executors
4 administrators guardians. or committees of insane
1 persons.
| -Four terms ofihe County cour, tot held 10 each
year in Two Of which only, shaTlcivil pleas and ap
i peals be heard. Il
! - An Orphans Court to be established in each coun-
! ty, TO be beld BY single Judge 10 be elected by tbs
4 people, io remain in office for the term of seven
I years and TO be re eligible.
i The jurisdiction Of said court 10 extend to m
matters aPperaning TO the probate OF Wills and the
4 appointment and duties of executors admfnistra
/ tors, guardians and committees OF insane persons
] The salary of the Judge to be fixed by law The
clerk OF the County Court to be ex ofici@ the clerk
I Of the Orphan Court, !
n The terms Of the court TO be quarter-yeary with
Il power 70 The Judge in vacation 10 admit Wills 10
probate ta qualify executors; and teappoint and
qualify administrators upon citation of the parties
interested in such manner as may be prescribed by
n law.
Hi Commissioners in chancery to be eligible to the.
i Office of Judge of1he Orphans Court
ri Cities and Incorporated towns to be exempted
from so much Of the foregoing system as the Legts-
I laure may deem expedent or as may con fict with
their existing charters. ~
III All laws compelling the citizens of the state or
their slaves to work the public roads be abro-
gated and the Legislature to be inhibited from pas
sing any laws Of like character.