Suggestions for the amendment of the law relating to civil bill appeals

Abstract

There can be little doubt, whatever may have been the object of those who devised the trial of small causes by assistant barristers at quarter sessions, the idea was suggested by the ancient and popular practice, which prevailed in the last century, of judges of assize hearing small cases by civil bill. The best part of a century has passed over since the establishment of the quarter sessions court, and during that period their jurisdiction has grown by legislative shreds and patches, until, with few exceptions, they now possess a limited jurisdiction in almost every class of litigation.