66 



occasion, on behalf of the accused, particu- 

 larly on questions relating to these, and the 

 Game Laws. 



This practice certainly exposes them to the 

 accusation of wishing to decide on cases, in 

 which they are more particularly and personal- 

 ly interested than any other, with an arbitrary 

 and tyrannical hand. In cases of felony, and 

 where the parties are only to be committed 

 for trial, there may be some reason for this ar- 

 rangement ; yet even in this case, the magis- 

 trates of London and Middlesex, not only allow 

 the attendance of a professional adviser, but 

 will even adjourn the examination if the accus- 

 ed wishes for such assistance ; but where a 

 summary conviction is to follow the magistrates' 

 decision, both as to the law, and facts where 

 the question is, guilty or not guilty, and 

 where the punishment immediately follows 

 the conviction, both reason and justice must 

 condemn such a rule. But it is now decided 

 in the case of Cox and Coleridge, that in cases 

 qf summary conviction, the defendant is entitled 

 to such assistance ; and should this be refused 

 in any case arising under these laws, the best 

 and safest way for the party accused would 

 be, to set up his legal claim, and offer to pro- 



