The record-union., 1896-01-24
REVISING THE STATE CODES.
What the Commissioners Have Done
and What They Are Doing.
The Penal Code is Almost Finished
Most Of the Work will be on
the Political Code.

A call was made at the rooms of the
Code Commissioners in the State Cap
ttol yesterday by a representative of
the Record Union" and inquiry was
made as to the work already accom-
plished by the Commissioners, and what
their plans were Secretary Shields
was found at work comparing the vari-
Gus laws and cheereuIy afforded the in
formation sought.
''The Code Commission" said he has
done a great deal of work. Of course,
in the beginning there is large amount
OF preparatory work, which does not
make much show, and yet is absolutely
necessary and takes much time. There
Is a great deal to be done in the way Of
consulting and comparing the various
laws now upon the statute books, to see
what shall be eliminated and what have
been either entirely or partially re-
pealed.
THE work has now arrived at a state
where what has been gathered can be
utilized. The Penal Code is practically
completed, there not having been many
changes, the chief effort having been to
change the text so as to correspond
with the Interpretation put on it by the
Supreme Court The commission has
made some effort TO simplify and cor
rect the practice in appeals, to the end
that the administration Of justice can
be more speedy.
The commissioners had a long con-
ference with Judge Murphy, who has
made a study of penal law, the result
being that it has Incorporated in the
code many of the ideas he has acquired
during his long experience in the crimi-
nal courts of San Francisco.
1T is on the Political Code that the
great bulk of the work viii have to be
done. Commissioner DAILY has made a
study of it. He practiced law for a
number of years in New York, was Dis
trict Attorney in Los Angeles County
and was Deputy Attorney General. His
idea is to incorporate into the code all
existing laws, so that when the codes
are finished they will contain all the
laws of the State.
1T is in contemplation to reduce the
number Of the agricultural districts by
about six; also to conform to the ideas
of Governor Budd in regard to the
Board of Examiners, and give more
powers to it in certain respects, as, for
instance, that it may enforce a uniform
system of bookkeeping in State institu-
tions, equal pay for those who do equal
work and in advertising for supplies to
eliminate local favoritism.
There has been considerable COM
plant of the inactivity of the commits
sion, but the people must remember
that its report is not to be made until
the next Legislature. No matter how
much work is done in the next six
months, the people will not be aware
is a circular sent out by the commission
to the State officials, State boards and
commissions the replies to which will
be compared and considered, to see
whether the adoption of their ideas viii
prove of benefit" The circular reads as
follows:
''The Code Commission has now been
actively engaged for several months re-
vising the laws of the State. 1t is hoped
to present to the next Legislature a
report which shall indicate every dis
crel)ancy in the codes and suggest ap-
propriate legislation to harmonic all
conflicting sections. We desire to SIM
plify the law, making it's codification as
clear and lucid as practicable; to add to
it where defective and to eliminate what
is undesirable
'"To attain these ends the cooperation
of State OfhclalS, state boards ana
commissions, and heads of in
stitutions will be most i'm
portant and valuable. They are deep
ly interested in the attainment of the
desired result. In their duties. sugges-
tions constantly arise of wherein the
law can be improved and the practice
rendered more conducive to the ends
contemplated by the reformed proceed
ure.
Confident that you are in touch with
the movement for the revision and re-
form of the law. and knowing that you
can make valuable suggestions to that
end, we venture to respectfully ask your
views. Any changes you may be pleased
TO propose will receive careful consider
alton and investigation.
I'VE trust you will bring to our atten-
tion any amendment to the law you
deem advisable, especially that relating
to the government of the institution
with which you are connected"
There have been similar circulars sent
out to the Superior Judges of the sew
era1 counties, the members of the bar
and city and county officials of the State
asking for similar suggestions.