LAW REFORM.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2438, 11 January 1881, Page 4

LAW REFORM.

It is understood (says (lie “Post”) tliiit the Judicature Commission have arrived at certain preliminary conclusions in regard to reforms desiralde in onr judicial system. We believe that the Commissioners are in-favour of Justices of tiie Pence continuing to hold and exercise the same functions as at present; of abolishing District Courts as at present constituted, and modifying the Supreme Court procedure in the direction of cheapness and expedition ; of giving one Judge of the Supremo Court the 5 jurisdiction in divorce cases at present exercisable only by three or more Judges. They also recommend the constitution of “’local courts ” with an ordinary jurisdiction up to £.50, but an extended jurisdiction up to £'JOO, exercisable only by magistrates who have been trainer! as barristers, a jury of four being demandable by either party in cases coming under extended jurisdiction, and local courts _ being empowered to enforce possession of tenements up to £loo rental ; no local courts with extended jurisdiction to be es tablished, however, in any town where a Supreme Court Judge is resident. It is also proposed to abolish formal pleadings in the Supreme Court, excepting particulars of claim and statement defence, and to try cases under £SOO without a jury, unless either party de rnand or the Judge order a jury—the jury in such a case to be of four only. It is further recommended that solicitors bo allowed to make arrangements as to costs, the agreement not to be taxable, but to be liable to be set aside nr modi fied m a summary way by a Judge in Chambers if it is shown to have been induced by fraud or misrepresentation ; a scale of costs to be prepared, fixing as far as possible a lump sum for every action and proceeding, racing according to their nature and the amount claimed ; plaintiffs proceeding in the Supreme Court in cases where the local courts have jurisdiction not to recover greater costs than they would have done in the local court.