THE DISTRICT COURT.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XX, Issue 2349, 10 February 1893, Page 2

THE DISTRICT COURT.

We understand that the members of the legal profession and jastices of the peace in this district are taking steps to urge the Government to extend tbe civil and criminal jurisdictions of the District Court. For some time past it has been thought by many people throughout the colony that a farther utilisation of the court would do much to relieve the pressure on tbe Supreme Court, and save expense and promote convenience. In civil oases the jurisdiction is at present limited to £200. But in bankruptcy matters tbe same court has unlimited jurisdiction, and no reason appears why the ordinary civil jurisdiction of the court should not be extended if not beyond .£SOO, at anyrate to that amount. This would enable all ordinary cases to be broogbt before the local District Court, and obviate tbe necessity of witnesses, suitors and their counsel being dragged long distances to the sittings of the Supreme Court. Moreover, as the latter court in this part of the colony only sits twice a year, delays often create loss. A case occurred the pther d»y in which a plaintiff at Wanganui wished to sue a defendant atPalmerstoo for i-300. Instead of being able to get the case heard at District Court within three or four weeks he has to wait nearly six months. People in business know what, in many oases, such a delay would mean. Delays in these matters, in many, if not most cases, mean that a defendant baß nn opportunity of making away with assets, and a plaintiff, when he gets a judgment, finds that the bird has flown, and there is nothing lefc to satisfy claims. Tbe whole benefit of legal remedies is, to a great extent, lost, if there be not expedition. A man who has a claim against another should be able to get it adjudicated upon at once and have the means of enforcing bis rights at onoe ; and we fear that the delays which now occtn? practically amount very otten to a denial of justice. Then as to criminal business there is no reason why the powers of tbe District Court should not be amended. If space permitted we could give instances of peculiar anomalies in the present restrictions. But what we urge is that many cases that are now reserved for the Supreme Court could with advantage to all interests be dealt with by the District Courts. Only the other day a man was committed for trial for horse-stealing; the case has to go to the Supreme Court, and the man has to remain in gaol for several moothe before the case can be heard. Then the expense of witnesses and counsel going away for the hearing of such cases is very great. As the District Courts throughout the colony, we believe, are now presided over by gentlemen who are first class lawyers, and tbe tendency is to strengthen the courts, there is no question that the law would be administered as soundly as by the Supreme Court. That such an extension as is suggested would promote economy, expedite tbe administration of justice, and relieve the Supreme Court there can hardly be two opinions.