Magistrates

It is impossible to overrate the importance of keeping the administration of justice by magistrates clear from all suspicion of unfairness.

— Magistrates

It is necessary for Courts of Justice to hold a strict hand over summary proceedings before magistrates, and I never will agree to relax any of the rules by which they have been bound. Their jurisdiction is of a limited nature, and they must shew that the party was brought within it.

— Magistrates

It is perfectly plain that either the Crown or any subject may intervene and inform a superior Court that an inferior Court is exceeding its jurisdiction; and it is the duty of the superior Court, when it is so informed, to confine the inferior Court within the limits of its jurisdiction.

— Magistrates

Excess of jurisdiction is ground for prohibition.

— Magistrates

I do not see to what purpose we exercise a superintendency over all inferior jurisdictions, unless it be to inspect their proceedings, and see whether they are regular or not. I have often heard it said that nothing shall be presumed one way or the other in an inferior jurisdiction.

— Magistrates

We presume a magistrate does right until the contrary appears.

— Magistrates

It is of infinite importance to the public that the acts of magistrates should not only be substantially good, but also that they should be decorous.

— Magistrates

It is the more fit for the Supreme Court to give some certain rule in it that may regulate and guide the judgment of inferior Courts.

— Magistrates