THE GRAND JURY SYSTEM.

Evening Star, Issue 8530, 1 June 1891, Page 2

THE GRAND JURY SYSTEM.

The Grand Jury sitting at the Supreme Court this morning, having returned true bills in all the oases submitted to them, were asked by His Honor the usual question whether they had any presentment to make. The Foreman (Mr Farqahar); No, your Honor, only this: there is a general feeling growing up, I think, that a Grand Jury it Of no use. Thatis all, I think. Mr Justice Williams t No doubt, gentlemen, there U* great'deal Jo be said in favor of that view. At the same time there is one oiroumstanoe whioh it always seems to me ought to be taken into consideration on the other side, and that is this: That for tbe last hundred years it has been, and still # part of the Constitution of the United States #f America that indictments are to be found by a Brand Jury. The' Constitution of the Un(ted States has been, since its foundation, altered in several particularsi bnt that particular artWe still remains as it was. Ino not for a moment think that anything relating to legal prooedure is good necessarily because it cpmes from America. As you are aware, there are in different States different forms of prooedure, and different systems prevail. Where, however, you find that throughout the whole of the States a parttonliir system is in force, and that it has remained In force for a hundred yews, and no attempt has been made to alter it, it always seems* to mel that there is prima /aek probabHityrrwhere; the institution has been thus accepted by the ; shreWdest people in the world—that there; is probably some good in it. However, as I have said, there is no donbt a great deal to be Bald on. the other side, I have to thank you, gentlemen, on behalf of {he oolony, for your attendance, and yon are now finally discharger).