§ The Lord Chancellor moved the second reading of the Trial by Jury (Scotland) Bill, the object of which was to assimilate the law in Scotland on this subject to that of this country. It provided, that in case a party were dissatisfied with the verdict of the Jury, or the rule of the Judge in his case, he might apply to the Court for a new trial; and in case of failing of receiving satisfaction by this means, he may resort to a writ of exceptions.
The Earl of Mansfielddid not rise to oppose the Bill, but thought that before any alteration was made in the existing law, it ought to receive the most deliberate attention, which he hoped this Bill would receive at the hands of their Lordships.
Lord Broughamsupported the Bill, and observed, that its great object was to prevent endless litigation before Juries. It left the merits of the case to the Juries, and only left the question of law to the Judges.
§ Bill read a second time.