The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-26

sity shall secure sue continuance or change.
 In simplifying the practice. the method Of selecting juries and sub hitting causes to them will, I think. demand attention with the view of se- curing an intelligent and impartial jury and giving them the reasonable assistance of the court free from some of the technical rules seeming to pre- vail in many of the states in the mat ter of instructions. In this connection believe that the examination of juries for the purpose of testing their qual- ffications and freedom from improper bias or prejudice can be more reason ably regulated and curtailed than under the existing practice.
 There might, I think, without in- justice. be fewer exemptions and ex- cuses from jury duty, and In view of modern conditions, 1t may be necessary and not unreasonable to place further limitations upon the right of chal- lenge.
 would also suggest that in criminal cases every objection to the complaint or indictment except such as denies the Jurisdiction of the court or the criminal character of the acts in sub- stance charged. should be doomed to have been waived unless made before
 
 proposed by some, of abolishing ap- peals in criminal cases. although I think that such appeals might be placed under great restrictions ana limitations than are now ordinarily provided for. While. in my opinion, the policy of allowing a conviction In criminal prosecutions by less than unanimous verdict Is worthy of serious consideration, and there are some good roa bearing to render that desirable If not necessary, I do not feel prepared to assent to it unqua1if1edly, especially In cases of felony.
 Reforms in this matter must neces- sari1y be slow, and in some respects may require constitutional amendments In many localities 1t may be wise sub stantially to increase the number or judges, as well as to provide for long CT tenure of office, with salary more reasonable than is usually the case commensurate with the responsibility exercised, and the ability and experi- ence required.
 When comparing the administration of the law in this country with the re- suits in European countries, 1t may not be out of place to continue tho compar- ison to the laws relating to the selec- tions, terms of office and compensa- tion of Judicial officers.
 ! Not that 1t is to be supposed that the usually short terms of office and small salaries prevailing here have had a part in producing the evils now com plained of, or have deterred the judges from industriously and conscientiously discharging their duties, for I take It generally to be conceded so far as they are personally concerned, that as rule the law has been administered at least honestly and free from improper mo- tives or influences. and that all the time reasonably possible for that pur- pose has been devoted to the hearing and disposition of the business coming before the courts.
 am optomistic enough to believe that in the end the good sense of the people. their respect for the law and its enforcement. and their desire Tor orderly as well as prompt judicial pro- cedure, will result in the general adoption of such measures as will pro mote the administration of Justice with out unnecessary delay. and at the same time secure to the individual a just and proper protection of his rights.