The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1921-03-02
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2, 1921
CHANGE THE TIME

to few years ago convened for the
spring term several weeks earlier
than it now does. The time for the
holding of this court was set back so
that lawyers who were members Of
the General Assembly might finish
their duties in Columbia and be at
home for the work of the court. At
that time the General Assembly found
itself able to complete its work in
the forty days provided by law for
its sittings.
Of late years, however, the legis-
lative term has spread out longer
and the work has not been complet-
ed before the time for having this
term of court. This year we are hav-
ing an extra two weeks of work for
the legislators. The result is that
members of the General Assembly,
who are also lawyers, find it neces-
sary to neglect their work at one or
the other place. At the end of the
legislative session when all kinds Of
legislation is sought to be rushed
through without proper considera-
ton, it is important that all members
be on hands. The appropriation bill
is generally considered in the last
days of the session and this adds to
the Importance of all members being
present. If the lawyer members from
Abbeville attend to their duties in
Columbia, then they cannot attend
court, and cases in which they are
employed must be continued.
The constitution guarantees to every
man a speedy hearing of the charges
against him, and the state has right
to have cases disposed of. 1t is not
healthy for the community that cases
of serious nature, like murder, ar
son, and the like, be postponed ex-
cept for unavoidable cause. For that
reason the Grand Jury of Abbeville
County year or two ago recommend
ed to the members of the General
Assembly the enactment of a law
changing the time for holding the
spring term of the Court of General
Sessions.
We do not know whether this mat
ter was ever officially brought to the
attention of the members or not. We
assume that it was. At any rate the
recommendation was generally dis
cussed and approved by the people of
the county. At the same time, it
should be said, that where other coun-
ties are also involved it is not as easy
as appears on the face, to change the
time for holding a term of court.
Conflicts with other terms of court,
and with the duties of judges in other
circuits must be considered. But we
believe that schedule may be work
ed out so that our term of court will
be held little later and the conflict
between the duties of legislator and
lawyer may be avoided. If it can be
Zone it should be done. >.
If for no other reason the change
should be made to save the county
from great expense. When case is
sent up to court the witnesses for the
state are bound over to the court
They appear at the February term
just as at any other term of the court
Their mileage must be paid as well
as their per diem. If the case is not
tried this money is thrown away, be,
cause at the next term of court, the
county must again pay this same ex'
pense. 49,. ..
Then again when a case is contin'
ued two or three times in this way il
causes the witnesses to grow indif
ferent. The pay they receive is negl.
gible and they find it hardship tt
be obliged to attend even one tern
of the court. When they are forced tc
attend two or three terms, largely
at their own expense, and the case i;
continued for one cause and another
they finally conclude not to attenc
again until they are sent for. This in
terferes with the due administration
of justice, and is a hardship on the
defendant and on the state alike.
We suggest that the members o.