Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-08-04
WEDNESDAY. 80. AUGUST 4, 1871
TIRE BAR AND BENCH.

Tho vircinio state Bar Association be-
gan its annual session al Inc nut
Springs yesterday.
The address by the president, w. w.
Henry Esq, had for its subject the
trial Of Aaron Burr for treason. Ihis
was treate& in a manner that was nc
ugbtful both from a historical and a legal
polnt of view. Many other valuable adj
dresses will be delivered in the course
nf the next day or two, and we par
,cularly hope that members VIII ma
time 10 discuss the judiciary system OF
this State.
OF all the other questions now before
the Virginia public, we know of none
ooual i'm importance TO this. There is
n demand for change, both because OF
the expensiveness of the present sys-
fem and because Of the many tedious
DELAYS that are ipyolyed in it, defeat
ing Justice oftentimes and bringing the
administration of the laws into much
disrcputc.
Some Of the troubles complained OF
by the people may be cured by the
LEGISLATURE. but others can only be
cured by constitutional amendments. In
our Judgment, the Legislature at us
next session will set to work energeu-
cauy TO deal with questions affecting
our courts. And we think 1t would be
altogether proper for the bar to sug-
cest how the needed reforms may be
effected. Changes will certainly have
20 be made, and they can be better maze
with than without the help Of tho
lawyers.
II is true that It Is a delicate matter
for members Of the bar TO suggest that
this. that. or the other judge shall be
nut out of office or curtailed Of some
Of his Jurisdiction; but members OF the
bar have ever been among the foremost
in securing governmental reform, and 1t
should be-and we doubt not will be-
so now.
This work will most assuredly be UNI
dertaken by the Legislature during the
coming winter There can be no doubt
,pon that point. The only question,
Then. IS. shall the Legislature be aided
by the bar or not?
OF course the time at the disposition
of the association for the consideration
of this subject is short but short as II
Is. there is time enough for expressions
of opinion which may prove valuable 10
the legislative mind
The Dispatch has no plan to boom
Not one plan that we have seen sug-
rested we think free from objection
Put II does seem that Virgina's judicial
machinery Is much too cumbrous anc
costly. Can't 1t be slmplited and re-
duced In cost? We should think so
Then who is more competent to point out
the changes that are needful than are
the members OF the bar? Nobody-if they
can but agree as 10 the changes thai
should be made.
OF course entire unanimity of opinion
"a not TO be expected, but If there be
consensus Of opinion in any given direc
ton. that at least ought to be made
manifest. and that would have influence
Public opinion upon the subject o
court reforms has grown very rapid!
of late, ard II viii be impossible for III
Legislature much longer to resist tn
pressure for reform. And, We repeat
this work Of reform could be better don
II the bar would lead.
The opportunity now presents itself 70
the state Bar Association to do a patrl
otto service, and make this years SEES
sion ever memorable in its history. lie
II give practical attention TO this practi
cal question. Let it show the Lesisia
ture how the desired reforms may b
wrought Or If 1t refuses. or neglect
10 do so Get It not be surprised or an
eered IT, others not so well qualified 10
the task enter upon II and, supported b
popular opinion. carry Il through.