A BIASED ENGLISH JUDGE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 954, 14 February 1911, Page 4

A BIASED ENGLISH JUDGE.

SEVERELY CRITICISED. Mr Justice Grantham created a sensation at Liverpool assizes by repudiating what he described as a charge of political partisanship arising out of his decision in the Yarmouth election case in 1906. Scarcely a week had passed since, he said, without his receiving threatening and insulting letters about it. He denied all partisanship, and said he was astonished at such an accusation. Later in the day, Mr Grantham, in sentencing a Canadian criminal, said that the prisoner was the sort of reciprocity Canada has for England—in sending prisoners here to be punished —for in other matters Canada seeks reciprocity with the United States.

The Manchester Guardian denounces the offensive reference to political partisanship which colours the whole conception of Mr Grantham’s judicial conduct. The Daily News condemns the incapacity of the judge to take a judicial view. The Chronicle says that Mr Grantham is unable to realise that a judge requires self-repression. The Morning Leader says the natural unconscious bias of Mr Grantham is a positive peril to anyone tried for liberty or his life.

The Westminster Gazette thinks the outburst is “a swan song,” and is a preliminary to retirement. Premier Asquith, in grave tones, commented on Judge Grantham’s remarks at Liverpool, and added that the House of Commons was very scrupulous about censuring or even commenting on judges; but reciprocal obligation on the part of judges was expected.