Practice on Election Petitions.—Close of the Vacation. 3 The bill intending to effect this change will probably be introduced in the approaching session; but we much doubt of the success of the plan. THE CLOSE OF THE VACATION. sented. This commission is to be moved | own assent or dissent, and that such assent for in the committee; but it is entirely or dissent shall be recorded in the minutes discretionary with them whether they grant of the committee. or refuse the application for the commission. If the committee consider it necessary they shall appoint the commission in the following manner. In the presence of the committee and of all parties interested, the names of three barristers in Ireland, of six years standing, who have consented under their hands and seals to become commissioners, shall be delivered to the chairman of the committee by each of the parties, and a list of the names being made, the several parties, beginning with the petitioners, shall, in the presence of the committee, proceed alternately to strike off a name until the number is reduced to two. When these two are chosen, a third, who is to be the chairman, shall be appointed by the several persons interested if they can agree; but if not, then the committee itself may nominate any barrister of the same standing. In other respects the practice on Irish petitions in no way differs from petitions against a return from any other part of the United Kingdom. 66 Michaelmas Term began on Thursday, and during the whole of this week there has been a constant influx of lawyers into town. The long-silent courts and squares of the Inns of Court again resound with hasty and business-like steps; the air is filled with legal sounds and enquiries. We catch, as we pass, some such words as these at every turn:- "Will you undertake to stay proceedings?" We have fixed the consultation for nine on Monday." "Costs to be taxed on Thursday next." "I shall certainly move to dismiss the bill next seal, if some step be not taken." "We must get a rule nisi, at any rate." Or we are sure to hear some such talk as the followIt is proper to mention that the subject ing:-"How are you? When did you of controverted elections has recently been come up?" "Are you going to dine in referred to a select committee of the House Hall to-day?" Who are you with?" of Commons, who have made a reporte on Or "I understand the examination will be the subject, (and a bill was brought in last very strict this term." Meanwhile clerks session founded on it,) in which a different | hurry by with briefs under their arms; course is recommended. It is here pro- their masters walk about with more deliposed that each election committee shall consist of five members only, and that all members capable of serving shall serve in their turn; that the Speaker shall, at the commencement of every session, nominate three barristers of not less than seven years standing, and with a salary of 2000l. a-year each, to fill the office of assessors to such committees, such nomination being subject to the confirmation of the House; that one of these shall assist at the deliberations of every election committee, presiding as chairman, but without power to vote, and that in all cases in which there shall be a difference of opinion in the committee, the assessor shall remain with the committee while strangers are excluded; that he shall, before any division, state the question at issue to the committee, together with his opinion thereon; that he pronounce the decisions of the committee, declaring his 45 G. 3, c. 106, s. 5. d 42 G. 3, c. 106, s. 4. e Ordered to be printed July 27, 1836. berate pace, and with more bulky papers, or large blue bags. The barrister is seen, at an early hour, wending his way to his chambers, from north or west, and every thing shews that "the Vacation has closed." HOW FAR WRITTEN CONTRACTS THE questions to which the Statute of Frauds has given rise, may well be deemed interminable, when we find that after a lapse of more than a century and a half, such a primary question as the above is still under discussion. We draw the attention of our readers to it, because the Statute of Frauds is of daily application, and no one is entitled to feel full confidence in himself with reference to a very large class of transactions, who is not extensively acquainted with the cases which have been decided upon its enactment. CONTENTS OF VOLUME XV. LAW REFORM, AND SUGGESTED IMPROVE REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS: MENTS: Opening of Parliament, and State of Bu- siness, 33 Progress of Law Reforın, 81, 145, 257, Bankruptcy, 226, 434 Copyholds Enfranchisement, 273, 369, Equity Proceedings, 294 Sabbath Legislation, 337 County Courts, 353, 481 Copyright, 449 Clergymen Traders, 340 Common Fields Improvement, 133 Reversions of Married Women, 194 Benefices' Plurality, 212, 227 Ashby-de-la-Zouch Small Debts, 453 High Sheriffs, 468 Public Records, 161, 183 Resolutions as to Private Bills, 64, 240 Property Qualification of Members, 177 Controverted Elections, 258, 289, 433 EXPIRED AND EXPIRING LAWS, 326 Copies and filing Affidavits, 217 New Table of Common Law Costs, 262 COURTS, REPORTED BY BARRISTERS OF THE SITTINGS OF THE COURTS, 32, 48, 64, 95, Limitation to bar Dower, 19, 23 Limitation to separate Use of Married CONTENTS OF VOLUME XV. LAW REFORM, AND SUGGESTED IMPROVE- REPORTS OF COMMISSIONERS: Progress of Law Reform, 81, 145, 257, Bankruptcy, 226, 434 Copyholds Enfranchisement, 273, 369, Equity Proceedings, 294 Sabbath Legislation, 337 County Courts, 353, 481 Copyright, 449 Coroners, 426, 441, 456, 470 LAW OF PARLIAMENT : Election Petitions, 1, 305 Resolutions as to Private Bills, 64, 240 PARLIAMENTARY DEBATES: Imprisonment for Debt, 97 EXPIRED AND EXPIRING Laws, 326 Copies and filing Attidavits, 217 New Table of Common Law Costs, 262 |