Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1876-06-29

THE GATEWAY TO THE BAR
A SAMPLE EXAMINATION FOR LIMBS
OF THE LAW.
From the Charleston News and Courie


ranged after the manner Of Kinne's Kent and
Blackstone, have been prepared carefully fol-
the use of the members Of the bar who are
hereafter appointed to examine candidates for
admission. A copy of the same must on all
occasions be furnished each applicant.
Before proceeding to examine the applicant
in his legal attainments, it is proper that the
following questions should be asked:
l. Have you been reading law in the Office
of any "practicing lawyer Of good standingP'
Answer-I have, with Squire Jones.
2. How long has Squire Jones been practi,
cling law2 Answer one year, think.
3. Does he vouch for your moral charac.
ter? Answer-He does.
4. Who vouches for his ? Answer-He
does also.
5. How long are you required to read law
in the Office of "practicing lawyer of good
standing?' Answer-Two years, except in
extraordinary cases, when the Court may, in
its discretion, dispense with any portion of the
two years."
8. How long did you read with Squire
Jones2 Answer started for two years, but
extraordinary circumstances intervened, and
I only read two weeks.
7. What were those circumstances An
swer-I was promised the defense of case
which we are working up for Trial Justice
Court.
8. What did you read in Squire Jones's Of
fee? Answer-The 1st Sd and part of the
9th Titles of the Code of Procedure, and the
index to the first edition of the Revised Stat
utes.
9. Where was W. j. Whipper born
When and who were his sponsors? Answer
Too hard for me now.
The applicant having correctly answered
the above, the examiner can now safely and
conscientiously proceed with the regular and
appropriate questions, beginning with
CONSTITUTIONAL AND STATUTE LAWS.
1. When was the present constitution OF
South Carolina adopted Anawer-1S68.
g. What broad assertion is made in Article
I, Section l, of that constitution, under the
title, "Declaration of rights?" Ans@er-
That "all men are born free and equal"
3. Is that assertion correct? Answer-It
is rather sweeping. 1t is true, perhaps, as to
parties born after the emancipation of slaves
and the adoption of this constitution /; but as
to good many parties born before these pc:
riods, it appears to be somewhat fanciful and
strained.
4. Does the Declaration of Rights of the
United States Constitution contain this bold
preamble? Answer-No, it only says, "all
men are created equal" and leaves out the
"free" part, which showed much weakness on
the part of our forefathers, as we'll as want of
foresight and judgment. (The applicant will
please reserve his comments and answer ques-
tions)
5. Of what branches does the Legislature
consist? Answer-Two, the Senate and House
of Representatives.
g. Of whom are both branches Of the Leg
islature now composed? Answer-A large
proportion is made up of gentlemen who, for
causes best known to themselves and the po-
lice, have left their own vines and fig trees
and settled among the people of South Caro-.
lima, and have brought many refining infiu.
ences along with them, which are disinterest-
edly used and disseminated for our good.
These are called "csrpet.baggers" Another
portion is composed of native white folks who,
being out of visible employment, and liable
to the penalties of the "vagrant act" have
generally affiliated with the carpet -baggers'
for the purpose of promoting the public well
fare. The great majority is made up of per.
sons whose ancestors were of royal blue blood
in Dahomey, and these members were either
"liberi" or "ibertini" according as che time
of their birth dated before or after the Con.
stitution. Their principal business is to as
sist the other two, for consideration, in the
great work of seeing that the Republic suf-
fer no detriment," in doing which the chief
duties of the Legislature are to incorporate
fire and hook and ladder companies, and al
low people to take other peoples names, and
pass bills providing for the pay of the men,
bers thereof
Z. What arethe most popular qualifications
for members of either house? Answer-Two
or more years residence in the Penitentiary
is the very best test of eligibility. Can't
think just now of any other qualification re-
quired. \
8. Does this test of eligibility apply to any
othersS Answer-Yes, to all public officers
generally.
9. In whom does this executive authority
vest? Answer-In a chief magistrate, who
: III l.