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itself throughout the Colony ; The Inhabitants begin to assume some little Consequence and think their Rights rather in Danger under the present forms of Law
They complain that the Courts are on too small a Scale to be free from Corruption, that several of the Officers are low bred ignorant Men that others are young and inexperienced, and unequal to draw a just Conclusion in Cases of Importance - In short they are desirous that a form of Jurisdiction should be established in the Colony which may afford them greater security than they at present enjoy, and shall approach more nearly to the established forms in England nor can there exist a Doubt that such a Change has become absolutely necessary
The Criminal Court in place of six should consist of twelve Members taken indifferently from the Officers civil military and naval, together with such of the respectable Inhabitants as shall be found sufficiently qualified to the impannelled on such an Occasion, and it is most essential that the Judge Advocate being the Principal Law Officer should be a Man of the strictest Honor and Integrity possessing a thorough knowledge of the Laws of this Country and capable of conducting the Duties of his Office with an independant Spirit
This form of trial would command reverence and respect from the public, and the prisoner whatever might be the issue of his Cause would derive security from the number of his Judges and rely with Confidence on their decision
In like Manner the Civil Court should consist of twelve Members, in place of the Judge Advocate and two discreet housekeepers who are directed by the