Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1858-11-05

From the North Carolina Standard
Our Present judicial System.
We invite the attention of readers and especially
the attention of the members of the Legislature to the
following communication which is from the pen Of one
of most enlightened citizens. Our correspondent
has made strong showing in favor of additional Su
peror Court Circuit, and think it highly probable
that such Circuit will be established by the next Leg
isature
HIS Erc.Arency Hnn- firn00:
The approaching session of the General Assembly
promises to be one OF the most important sessions that
has been held for years. The question of the banks
the currency revenue and taxation, railroad improve
ments and the election of two United States Senator's
all matters Of the greatest Importance Of these
matters it is not my purpose to say anything but am
content to leave them to the Legislature 1t my pur-
pose however, to asklyour attention facts
nected with subject of great Importance to the people
of the State. mean present Judicial SYSTEM which
deem radically defective and doing great injustice
alike to the bench and to the public. In 1906 when
the Superior Courts established in each county,
there go counties in the State and the circuits
arranged with ten counties in each with six udg
es, and compensation of ninety dollars the court
Thus things remained for twenty years. In 1835-'36
seventh circuit established and the salary fixed at
nineteen hundred and fifty dollars per annum The ex-
penses of the judges the circuits at least twenty
five per cent more now than when this salary estab
shed. The expenses at court for man and horse
from ten to twelve doars-now will average fifteen to
the court. Then the expenses OF his family at home
lHuCH uoH tudu Lucu. Illus Ctlt sySIcIu uOW
stands, with the addition of ninety dollars for each court
over twelve in the circuit The counties have increased
to 85, with Sc courts, New Hanover having two weeks
According to the present arrangement the four first Cir
cults have 43 weeks and the three western circuits AZ
counties and AZ weeks. Is this either fair, just or
equal? Whatever may happen to his family the judge
has no chance for returning to their relief and what
may be the state of the docket it has to be tried by
judge by series of four months constant SER
vice, or be continued What is the remedy? The es-
tablshment of additional circuit to dispense with
the ninety dollars court and in lieu thereof give the
judges salary Of two thousand dollars. How would
the thing then stand in point of arrangement and ex
pense? You would leave The first four Eastern circuits
as they stand with ten counties in the first and
third eleven in the second, dstweve in the fourth
making 43 in the four Out of the h sixth and seventh
circuits you would establish the eighth so to make
twelve in the fh ten in the SIXTH eleven in the seventh
and ten in the eighth thus making 43 courts in the
four, and establishing perfect equality between East
and West. Can any fair-minded man object to this?
How will the arrangement stand as to expenses?
The seven Judges, at 81 $780, is. .$13, $50
The extra allowance in the 5th, 6th and 7th
circuits ..................... 1850
Making .............. .Sl49l0
Eight Judges, at So 900 each $4,000
| The increase would only be 81 900, and the public
would gain additional circuit and have an equality
in their arrangement Let general bill be passed. such
annexed and then let the members representing the
counties in the 5h 6th 7h and 9th circuits meet and
pledge themselves to be governed by majority and
my word for it, there will be no difficulty. submit
horor IN hotfo iuIr of