LAW AND POLITICS.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1048, 10 February 1911, Page 5

LAW AND POLITICS.

A JUDGE CAUSES A SENSATION. INSULTING LETTERS. NEW ASPECT OF RECIPROCITY. ■ Dy Tclccrapb-Prcss Assoclatlon-CopyrißV.t-London, February B.^ Mr. Justice Grantham,, of the King's Bench Division of the High Court, created a sensation at tho Liverpool Assizes by repudiating what ho described as a charge of political partisanship arising out of his decision in tho Yarmouth election petition case in 1906. He said that since then scarcely a week had passed without threatening and insulting letters being received by him. Ho denied all partisanship, and was astonished- at the charge. • ■•'•■ .. • .;■.,,■■'■:• Later in tho .day, Justice Grantham, in sentencing ft Canadian criminal, said: "Prisoner, this is' the sort of reciprocity Canada has for Englandsending criminals hero to be punished. In other matters she seeks reciprocity with the United States." STATEMENT MY MR. 'ASQUITH. . London, February 8. In tho House of Commons, tho Prime Minister, Mr. Asquith, speaking in grave tones, commented on Sir William Grantham's remarks, and added:—"Tho House of Commons is scrupulous in regard to censuring, or even commenting on, tho judges, but a reciprocal obligation is expected."' .",'. •"."" ;; /' ic . TRESS" COMMENTS. -~ London, February 8. The "Manchester Guardiaji" (Liberal) denounces Justice Grantham's offensive reference to political partisanship, which colours his whole conception of his judicial conduct. Tho "Daily News" (Liberal) condemns tho judgo's lack of capacity for taking a judicial view. ._ The "Daily Chronicle" (Liberal) remarks:—"Mr. Justico Grantham is unable to realise that a judge requires tho power of self-repression." ' Tho'.."Morning Leader" ; (Liboral):— "Natural, unconscious bias is positivo peril to anyone being tried for their liberty.or life." ■ .- ' The'"Westminster" Gazette" (Independent) thinks the outburst was a swan song—a preliminary to tho judge's retirement. Sir William Grantham has been a Judge of the Queen's Bench of the High Court of Justico since , 1880. Ho is 76 jcars of age. His remarks from tho, Bench ..have elicited comment on various occasions during tho past few years.