24 Dec r 1807

Scotch Reform

(B)

1. Jury Trial. 2. [...?]

Letter V

Ch. Omission cause

Reformer to Lordhp[?]

Introducing Jury Trial for encrease of business

Another thing. A subordinate object is the introduction of Jury trial in civil causes into Scottish Judicature. By this these desirable purposes will be promoted. The good opinion entertained of Your Lordship's Administration by the body of the people delighted to see this fresh increase[?] offered to their idol: conciliating[?] the affections and support of the highest Lawyers to whose advantage that species of Judicature as hitherto applied has been adopted: and the encrease of business and opening new paths to profit and distinction for the benefit of us Scottish lawyers.

While the law of procedure and the main body of the law continue in their present state, the introduction of this species of judicatory to the civil department of Judicature to any advantage either in respect of rectitude of decision, or in respect of avoidance of delay, vexation and expence, is plainly impossible. The use made of the species of Judicatory is inseparably connected with the forms of pleading: and these forms are absolutely incapable of being transplanted from English ground into Scottish.

In France the experiment was made: and how wretchedly unsuccessful the result was - is, but too notorious.