The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1894-04-18
SHE WANTS TO BE 4 LAWYER.
ne first Sew Jersey Woman to Apply I

Inc first Sew Jersey Woman to Apply TO
lie Admitted to the Bar.
IIe first application made by WON
an TO be admitted to the bar in New
Jersey has been made by Miss Mary
Philbrook Of 80 Vrcom street, Jersey
City Heights. The application was
made through Corporation Attorney
James f. Minturn of Hoboken TO JUS
tice Depue of the supreme court. The
young woman prepared the argument
herself, defining her right TO apply for
examination.
The clearness, conciseness and clever
ness Of the argument made an impres-
sion on Justice Depue. He said he knew
of nothing 10 prevent Miss Philbrook
from being admitted 10 practice as an
attorney, provided she was able to pass
the examination, and he promised that
he would endeavor TO arrange for an
examination at the present term of court.
Miss Philbrook is the daughter of a
lawyer. She has been employed for
some years as typewriter and amanu-
ensis in Mr.. Minturn's office. Three
years ago she began to delve into " Black
stone, - Parsons on Contracts" and
other literature of a similar character,
and now she is convinced that she Is pre-
pared to try cases. Mr.. Minturn says
she is an extremely capable young wom-
an She is % years old, slim, with reg
ular features, dark hair and hazel eyes.
Mr.. Minturn says she can prepare briefs
and papers in any kind of suits, and ne
is confident that she is competent to con-
duct her cases in court. In her applica-
ton she says:
THE admission of women 10 the bar
is question not of taste, propriety or
politeness, but Of right. While certain
qualifications may be required by law
and conditions attached in the discre-
ton of the courts, yet sex distinction
should not be made one of these condi-
tions. It's emolument5 involve the right
| to earn livelihood and acquire prop
| eIty. The right to acquire, possess and
| protect property is guaranteed TO every
| citizen of the state, and in the protec-
ton of these rights all are equal before
| the law. The practice of law is, there
| fore, a civil right which the courts may
| regulate, but not prohibit. 1t is pro-
fession, or employment, pursued for its
emolu1nents, for which an action may be
maintained. The legislature may pre-
L
| the pursuit of the ordinary avocationS
of life, but it can no more deny the ex-
ercise of the right in one case than IN
| another.
again, the policy of our legislature
| and judiciary has tended constantly to-
ward comforting upon women the same
| property rights and business status as
| men enjoy. They become physicians,
| artists, scientists, ministers. educators,
| fnanciers, editors and may engage with
| out let or hindrance in all the activities
| of the business world The acts of our
| legislature seem to convey to women all
the property rights, and consequently
| impose upon them all the liabilities az
sumed by their contracts, the same as a
| man. Women should be admitted tC
the practice of law upon equal terms
| with men.
Mr.. Minturn has no doubt that Miss
PhiIbrook will be admitted.
1.-The matter rests with the judges Of
the supreme court now, Miss Philbrool
said They will have a consultation
over it, and it all depends on what they
think | am sure, however, they vii
admit me to examination.
DO you intend practicing in Hobo
ken if you are admitted"
''Oh, anywhere where there is fielC
l will 60 | would not confine mysel
to Hoboken.'
Miss Philbrook said that nothing
| woald suit her better than an opportu
nifty to argue against man lawyer
New York Sun.
Made Fortune and Name.