| Volume 190, Page 847 View pdf image (33K) |
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
1872.] OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES. 847 peals shall be selected from those who are most distinguished for integrity, wisdom and sound legal knowledge. This, they did not expect to be accomplished, except an adequate salary should be provided. The Judges cannot officiate af- ter they are seventy years of age, except in the special in- stances provided by section 3, of Article IV., and in case of the inability of any of the Judges to discharge his duty by reason of continued sickness or of physical 01 mental infirm- ity, the Legislature has power to retire such Judge. Under the 14th section of Article IV. the sessions of the Court of Appeals, are required to continue not less than ten months in the year, if the business require it, and in every case ac- cording to section 15, and the opinion in writing, must be filed within three months after the agreement or submission of the case. It is well known to those familiar with the du- ties of the Judges, that the office is a very laborious one, requiring constant and unremitting attention, and the most careful application to the performance of their responsible duties, and which taxes, to the utmost, their time and ener- gies, and is well calculated to impair the most robust health. We are proud to say that the manner in which these du- ties are discharged, as evidenced in the reports of cases deci- ded by them, reflects the highest credit upon their efficiency, and establishes their reputation for great legal learning and profound research, and entitles them to rank with the high- est judicial officers in the country, and will compare favorably with the most eminent and enlightened jurists in the civilized world. Many of our sister States, aware of the importance of hav- ing the judges amply provided for, and that -it is weak and un- wise economy to attempt parsimonious, salaries for their judges, have increased their compensation. The State of Pennsylvania allows her Judges $7000 per year. The Judges of the Superior Court of the United States, receive a still larger amount, and are retired upon pay when enfeebled by age. The duties of these Judges are so more onerous than those of our Supreme Judges. Perhaps there is no bet- ter standard, by which to measure the respectability and re- finement of any community, or their high sense of justice and moral obligation, than by the estimate placed upon the Judges and the members of the profession connected with the business of the Courts. This can be ascertained by the sala- ries of the judiciary. If they are inadequate, it indicates a narrow and unmeaning spirit of economy, if they are ample, they show wise and just appreciation of human excellence and attainment. The salaries of the Judges are paid out of the common fund, the State Treasury, and are but small items of expenditures when contrasted by the resources of the State, her honor and dignity, and the inestimable advantages |
| |||
|
| ||||
|
| ||||
Please view image to verify text. To report an error, please contact us.
Proceedings and Acts of the General Assembly, 1872
| Volume 190, Page 847 View pdf image (33K) |
|
Tell Us What You Think About the Maryland State Archives Website!
|
An Archives of Maryland electronic publication.
For information contact
mdlegal@mdarchives.state.md.us.
Maryland State Archives