THE JUDICIARY SYSTEM.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume L, Issue 60, 7 October 1907, Page 2

THE JUDICIARY SYSTEM.

The Judiciary Bill introduced in tlie Legislative Council on Friday by the Attorney - General makes some vital changes in the existing system. It provides for the abolition of District Courts. The hearing of appeals before the Supreme Court can be made by written argument, and neither party to an appeal is bound to appear either personally or by counsel". Power is given for the assignment of judicial districts to particular Judges, and it is laid down that "every Judge of the Supreme Court | other than the Chief Justice or the ! .liulgc for the time being acting as the Chief Justice shall exercise his judicial powers and functions in the judicial district or judicial districts which have been assigned to him and not elsewhere save with the permission of the Chief Justice." The judicial district in which the city of Wellington is situated shall at all times be assigned'to three Judges and no more; and of these three the Chief Justice or the Judge for the time being acting as the Chief Justice shall lxi one. . Except in accordance with ex.- ; press provision no Judge of the Supreme Court other than those to whom tlie Wellington district is assigned shall hear or determine any appeal' to the Court I of Appeal or take part in the exercise by the Court of Appeal of any powers or functions of that Court other than the powers of making rules determining the procedure. No appeal to the Court of Appeal is to be heard by less than three Judges. For this purpose a rota of Judges is to be prepared. At the same time the Governor may, on tlie recommendation of the three 'Judges to whom the Wellington district is as-

signed, or of a majority of all the •lodges of the Supreme Court, summon to tlie Court of Appeal all or any of tlie Judges of the Supreme Court to sit in tlie Court of Appeal, there to hear and determine any appeal or other matter specified in the summons.