The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-11-12
Forum Of The People
Suggests A Court Reform.

To the Editor of The Age-Herald:
 It has been said that the difference of opinion makes the world go round. Be that as it may there are differences and doubtless will be until the end of time. If, therefore, my opinion differs from others, it is for the simple reason that all persons cannot see thing, even a matter of vital importance, from the same viewpoint.+5I have; in, mind Ethe freak verdicts frequently arrived at by the juries of Jefferson county, and possibly by juries throughout the county, and l give it as my opinion that one of the greatest needs of this beautiful, prosperous and intel lectual Hand of the free" is jury reform. In selecting a jury, lawyer, so far as he is able to do so, uses his wits to secure men whom be believes will prove friends to his client and I have nothing to say against any attorney who exercises his law-given preroga- tive in this matter. Nevertheless 1 doubt if society is benefited by the system.
 One of the most ridiculous verdicts we hear and read about, is where plaintiff in large libel or other damage suit is awarded the whole sum of one cent or one dollar and 1t is passing strange that any man of ordinary intelligence could reconcile his oath and con- science to verdict of this kind. If a man feels that he has been damaged to the extent of many thousands of dollars and in a suit to recover is awarded the nominal sum as mentioned, it goes without saying there is something wrong somewhere. In a libel suit a dollar is more of an insult than vindica- tion, and if possible a verdict for this sum or a similar amount should be set aside, or the presiding judge should give the jurors such a raking over the coals that they would never want to sit on another case.
 To be plain, if plaintiff, in the opinion of the jury, is only entitled to one dollar in de of a verdict should be rendered in favor of the defendant; for as a matter of fact the plain tiff would not be entitled to anything. To more fully illustrate the status of the average juries, permit me to relate the often repeated story of Bill Jones, prominent citizen, who was on trial for serious crime. Smith and Brown were the opposing attorneys in the case and both made powerful speeches, and held the jurors spell bound for hours, coniplet- ing their argument. The. judge gave his charge and the jury retired. Then the fur began to fly. The foreman, after making the remark that "taint goin' to rain no more" said: Wal, gentlemen, watcha goin' to do about it?" To which one of the jurors re- piled that: "So far as I'm concerned, I'm for Smith till the Mississippi goes dry. That's where you are wrong," replied the next man. I'm for Brown. He knows more law in minute than Smith ever will know" So it went down the line resulting in mistrial with a heavy cost attached.
 The large concerns of this city and else where are plenty able to take care of them selves and I would not presume an attempt to defend their course, but simply give this letter to supply a little wholesome food for thought along progressive lines with the hope that this suggestion may lead to some definite action towards much needed reform.
 H. A. STEWART.
 315 N. 49th St., Birmingham, Ala, Nov. 10, 1924