404 NATURAL AND CIVIL 



four pounds ; and also determine on all special-, 

 ties, notes of hand, and settled accounts, not 

 exceeding the sum of eight pounds. They 

 may also bind over to be tried by the county or 

 supreme court, all criminal offenders, the enor- 

 mity of whose misdemeanor surpass their pow- 

 er to try. No judgment rendered by a justice 

 of peace, can be reversed by writ of error : But 

 appeals are allowed to the next county court, in 

 all cases where the judgment for debt or dama- 

 ges, shall exceed the sum of forty shillingSo 



In each county there is also a county court ; 

 consisting of three judges, who are also animal- 

 ly appointed by the assembly. The county 

 courts, within their respective counties, are to 

 take cognizance of all criminal matters of every 

 name and nature (except such cases as are cog- 

 nizable only in the supreme court, or before a 

 justice of the peace) and award sentence. But 

 any person prosecuted for a criminal offence, 

 may appeal from the judgment of a county 

 court, to the next supreme court. All actions 

 and causes of actions of a civil nature (except 

 such actions as are made cognizable soltly be- 

 fore the supreme court, or justices of the peace) 

 must be originally commenced, and prosecuted 

 to effect in a county court. 



The supreme court of judicature consists of 

 three judges, to be annually chosen by ballot, 

 by the governor, council, and general assembl}', 

 at their October session. This court has cog- 

 nizance of all pleas of the state, criminal actionsi 

 and causes, and whatsoever relates to the con- 

 servation of the peace, and punishment of 

 offenders ; and also of civil causes or actions 

 feetvyeen party and party, and between the state 



