Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1877-12-11
Judge William Mclaughlin.

This eminent Judge closed the full
term of his Court in Augusta on Wednes-
day last, after laborious session of about |
thirty five days. In that time he entered
about five hundred DEGREES, (more than
a fourth of which were final,) and dis
posed of every case on the law docket
which was ready for trial. We may
say, indeed, that he swept the docket,
for there were but two chancery causes
in his hands which were not decided
and these were retained because they
involved important principles which
were also in issue in suit in Rock
bridge, which was set for argument at
an early day. He, therefore, retained
these causes, that he might have the
benefit of any new lights, which might
be thrown on the matters at issue by
the discussion in that. case.
When Judge Mclaughlin assumed
his seat en- the bench, he found the
docket of Augusta county encountered
by hundreds of old causes, which had
been instituted nearly half century
ago in the old district Court of Chance
ry, formerly held at Staunton. He had,
therefore, not merely to dispose of the
current litigation, but to encounter this
immense mass of arrearages of business
which had accumulated in the old Chan
Gerry Court. 1t was Herculean labor,
but he has accomplished it by close and
diligent application.
| We understand that since Judge Nc
Laughlin took his position on the bench,
he has rendered over seven thousand
iecrees and decided law cases almost
without number
The bar of his Circuit being able
learned and vigilant. his judicial action
has been subjected to the closest scruti'
ny. Appeals have been applied for in
. almost every case where the unsuccess
'ul party thought there was reasona'
BILE chance of reversal. Yet, we under
stand that of the thousands of decisions
that he has made, not more than
| seven or eight of his DEGREES and judg
nents have been reversed, and in mos
, Of them there was division among the
, Judges of the Court of Appeals.
This speaks well for his judicial tai
ent and accuracy. To sound discrim-
mating judgment, he unites a quick
perception, wonderful memory, and
Iaborious habits of investigation.
would seem that he never forgets any
thing. The decisions of the Court o
Appeals are always fresh in his memo
ry, ard when he once examines cause
all the facts and principles involved re
main indelibly imprinted on his mind
In the discharge of his judicial duties
he is not only prompt, industrious ant
able, but all his action is characterized
by strict impartiality. Truth and jus
5ice are his only aims. His opinion
ale brief and terse and always to tn
) point No one ever knew him to max
any, ambitious attempt at display on tn
- bench He gives his decisions, and hi
reasons for them, in the fewest word
=. consistent with clearness of expression
=" Such judge is of incalculable valu
to any circuit, for, so long as he hold
position on the bench, the people hav
an assurance of the prompt, faithful
!, and able administration of justice.
:, AS Judge McLaughlin's term Is no,
Y about to expire, we believe we expires
- the opinion of ninety and nine out {
every hundred of the people of August'
u when we call on the Legislature, by a
! unanimous vote to re-elect Judge M
- Laughlin to the position which he hs
D occupied for the last seven years, wit
so much honor to himself and advan
IL tage to the public.