Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 35, Number 89, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 July 1903 — Judge Palmer's Ideas. [ARTICLE]

Judge Palmer's Ideas.

The address last week of Judge . Palmer, of Montioello before the 1, Indiana State Bar Association, o. ’ 1 j which he is president, hks attractI sd wide-spread attention on the I I pqrt of the newspapers and legal fraternity of the state and has received much favorable oomment. All who have had anything to do witb-the work of the circuit oourts have recognized that the system is defective and too much is expeoted

of one man. In his address he pointed oht three remedies for \ existing defects, as follows: 1 1. That judges be chosen at an election separate and apart from i state or national elections. This will tend to eliminate political prejudioe'and to the selection of the man fittest for the place. 2 That several courts, eaoh having a specifio function, phould be created to assume the varied functions now discharged by 'the Circuit court. This is but an ap- ! plication to onr judioiary of the modern doctrine of specialization. 1 We would have then a range of jurisdiction within whioh it would be possible for a judge to beoome skilled and accurate in all matters that come before him.

3. That oourts be not multiplied, and that judges be free to act, several circuit?, as now composed, shoald be combined in one circuit. This would give an alternation of judges and relieve any judge from bolding court in the oounty where be resides. The presiding ju(lge would be a stranger both to the parties and the issue—the happiest condition from which to mete cut justice. It is probable that the interest which has grown out of his address will result in several measures being introduced in the next General Assembly along the lines suggested.

Jadge Palmer is an original < thinker who is always at the front in any question of jurisprudence and his opinious command consideration from the lawyers df our common wealth.