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On motion of Mr. Brewer, the Convention then resolved
itself into committee of the whole, Mr. Dent, of St. Mary's
in the chair.
The unfinished business in committee being the article
on the judiciary department, was then taken up, the third
section being under consideration, and the question being
on the amendment of Mr. Archer, to make the term of
the judges fifteen years instead of during good behavior.
A debate then ensued, in which Messrs. Ringgold, Gill,
Garey, Barnes, Marbury, Cosgrove, Dobbin and Archer
participated.
Mr. Dobbin moved to amend by making the term twen-
ty years and making the judge ineligible for re-election,
which was disagreed to.
Mr. Tarr, of Worcester, moved to make the term ten
years, which was disagreed to.
Mr. Tarr, of Caroline, moved to make the term twenty
years, and the judge to be re-eligible. Disagreed to.
Mr. Dobbin moved an amendment that after reaching
seventy years while in office, a judge may be continued in
office by resolution of the Legislature for such time as
they may see fit, by a resolution to be passed at the next
session preceding such period, such time not to exceed the
limit of his term. Agreed to.
The question was then taken on the amendment of Mr.
Archer as amended, when it was agreed to. Mr. Archer's
amendment fixes the term of office at fifteen years.
On motion of Mr. Jones, the committee then rose, re-
ported the section as amended, and asked leave to be dis-
charged from the further consideration of the subject.
The section now stands as follows:
"Section 3. The judges of the said several courts shall
be elected by the qualified voters in their respective ju-
dicial circuits, as hereinafter provided, at the general elec-
tion to be held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in
November next. Each of the said judges shall hold his
office for the term of fifteen years from the time of his
election, and until his successor is elected and qualified,
or until he shall have attained the age of seventy years,
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