Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1895-07-18
Judge Baldwin's Rules.

father, the late Judge Briscoe G.
Baldwin, of the Virginia Court of
Appeals, appending to his article
the following rules and maxims
which he had selected from number
found among Judge Baldwin's pri-
vate papers and which we think we'll
worthy of the thoughtful attention
of lawyers and others:
Before looking for law, mediate
upon what it ought to be.
In forming opinions, trust not
first opinions, but revolve the matter
in your mind, and examine both
sides carefully.
BE not satisfied until your convic-
tion is strong and clear.
Distrust any conclusion attained
by an elaborate or refined process of
reasoning, or nice balancing of au-
thority.
In examining the books, look first
to the elementary writer's, aud form
an opinion if you can upon them,
turning to cases to remove doubts
still remaining, or for citation or
comment.
Prepare no more long opinions.
In drawing opinions, seize the
strong points, and content yourself
with few of the most cogent argu-
ments, such as to produce conviction
by their intrinsic force.
Be certain of correctness both in
matter and manner.
Never from the bench or in con-
ference or conversation, throw out q
crude impression.
Avoid ali eccentricities of opinion,
conduct, or department..
Adopt no opinions Of others with
out examination.
Avoid disputing authority, hut
elude what is unreasonable.
Examine every question upon
principle.
Indulge not in sarcasms or ridi.
cule.
Strive not for ascendency, but be
content with conscious superiority
or equality or inferiority.
Be tender in all respects of the
feelings of others.
Adapt your suggestions to the ca
pacity Of others and their modes of
thinking.
Trust not lightly legal principles,
reasoning, or authorities.
Preserve perfect self-possession.
BE firm in all things, without pa
rade or pretension.
Be neat and cleanly i'm your per-
son and apparel.
Never yield to the impulse of the
moment.
Study to be comprehensive, brisf,
and forcible.
Attempt not to convert others to
your opinions and doctrines.
BE not hasty or positive or per-
emptory in expressing your opin-
ions.
Never surrender to others your
own deliberate judgment.
DO not sickle for small matters,
or dispute without necessity.
Be polite and indulgent to coun-
sci.
Yield nothing to importantly or
pertinacity.
Make no censoriOus or disparaging
remarks about judges or counsel.
Avoid party prejudices and acri-
mony.
Listen to others attentively and
respectfully.
Evince no impatience or surprise
at the opinions or arguments or igno-
rance Of others.
Cultivate knowledge Of human
nature.
Converse about yourself as little
as practicable.
Treat not others according to their
deserts, but from a regard to what is
due to yourself.
Acquire a knowledge of sensible
subjects, practical matters, and the
business of life.
Direct conversation so as to acquire
information.
BE not suspicious or captious.
BE dignified in manners and de.
pertinent, but modest and unassum.
ing.
Examine and bear in mind the per.
sons, names, and residence of stran.
gers.
In travelling attend to topography
geography, soil, products, cultiva'
ton, and distances.
Penetrate silently into the secret
motives of men.
Let justice and sound policy be
your Judicial guides.
Impress upon your mind the facts
of cases.
Examine well for yourself befor,
comforting.
Seek to let others appear to advan
tage.
Seek distinction only by officia
merits.
Aim not at original thoughts, bu
adopt the wisdom of others.
Seek not what is best, but what 4
best attainable.
Have secret and full confidence il
your own deliberate judgment.
Be modest and conciliatory will
your brethren, and seek to guild
them gently when confident you ar
right.
Make no formal defense of you
habits and opinions.
Never yield to any temptation 0
gratifying vanity or seeking ap
plause.
A RISING -
What is it that keeps you busy writ
ing 40 late in your study ever,
night ?" asked Mrs. Yerger of he
husband.
Z" am writing the history of no,
life.n
/" l suppose you mention me in 1t.
ooh, yes; 1 call you the sunshin
Of nv eXiStenceO