The Birmingham age-herald., 1919-10-06
OF HUMAN NATURE" AN UTION OF THE COUNTY
Court Presided Over by Judge H. B. Abernathy Has Unique Position and Remarkable Record-Ony Court in State That Paid More Into County
 Treasury Than Operating Expenses
By MAURICE F. WALSH

There are in every state of the union courts of law, and courts of equity, but here in Jefferson county we boast a third system of jurisprudence that can be justly termed a court of Human Ma ture.' The court in question is the Jeff erson County Court of Misdemeanors" as 1t is now officially known, or just Judge Abs Court" as we all know it. for though the court of which Judge II. B. Abernathy is the presiding and .,uid- ing genius, has been subject to a series of changes in name, rank and dignity, ne has remained upon it's bench since It's inception way back in 1906. This court ranks with Judge Ben Lindsay's juvenile court of Denver, in class of their own. It promises to become equally famous throughout the whole country Herein are settled domestic troubles, juvenile at fairs in conjunction with the county iuvc- nile court and the less serious criminal offenses committed in the county. It has grown from little more than a justice s court to be as it now Is a court of record having complete Jurisdiction of the county. It's origin dates back to 1906, when the judge was elected by the people to the bench of the then styled 1nfeTaor Court of Birmingham" A similar court at Ensey being presided over by Judge Charles H. Mandy. These were troublous times and later we find the latter court dropping out for the time being, on con- stitutional grounds and the former changing, into the Common Pleas Court with a slightly increased jurisdic- tion this in 1911. Election by the people was done away with, selection by the judges of the circuit court replacing it, their choice being ratified by the governor who issues the commission. In 1915 an other increase in Jurisdiction was given this court and it is then styled the 'Mu- nicipal Court of Birmingham" this it re- mained up to month ago, when 1t be came a court with full county jurisdic tion and raised to the dignity of court of record. It is called the "Jeffersoh County Court of Misdemeanors," but If you want people to understand you call it Judge Abs Court" There are many unique functions of this court which justify it's being styled a court of 'Hu- man Nature and not merely of law For If an unfortunate be in the clutches of the dope habit. technical charge of vagrancy will enable him to be sent to the county farm for a course of treat ment and a sure cure. Six to eighteen months will cure the worst cases, for the pure country air, open living, light work, wholesome farm food, spring water and medical attention rebuild the body and remould the character.
 Diseases which are a menace to society are treated in the same way. Many a sentence being imposed for the sole and kindly purpose of curing the man or woman. Nor can anyone leave till the county physician reports a clean bill of health. As the judge says. If we can't get rid of street walkers at least we can keep them clean" The vagrancy charge can be put to good use. Every day some one comes in to thank me for curing them" says the judge.
 Every morning for the last IS years the court has opened at 7:o0 O clock. Cour- sei can present their arguments at that early hour and thus saver the courts time when prisoner cases are to be tried. The result of this novel though strenu- ous system is this. Although having the heaviest docket of any court in the state the court is right up with it, every case is tried on the day set. And more. in no time in it's history has 1t run behind US docket Give quick action on trials. don keep the poor beggars awaiting trial Tn the jail, try them and get 1t over with, to quote the judge. This is calculated 10 save the county board bill alone amounting to some $25,0oo year, besides netting out justice more expeditiousiy.