HC Deb 28 July 1845 vol 82 cc1139-40

In answer to a question from Mr. Henley,

Sir James Graham

said, that although cases might occur in which a magistrate might act singly in a judicial capacity, yet it would be a sound discretion to make such cases rather the exception than the rule; and where a penalty was to be levied, he thought it would be well to do so in the presence of other magistrates and the clerk, where it was possible. When cases occurred in which a delay would defeat the ends of justice, then it would often be necessary for a magistrate to act singly.

Mr. Henley

wished to be informed whether or not it was the intention of the right hon. Baronet to bring in a measure next Session relative to those cases where a magistrate was called on to act singly in a judicial capacity.

Sir J. Graham

was not prepared to introduce any such measure.

In answer to Mr. Hume,

Sir J. Graham

said, he had no intention of introducing a measure to relieve the county magistrates from those duties. On the whole, he thought that they were most useful to the country from the manner in which they discharged their duties.