Lord Campbellcomplained of the irregular manner in which, as it appeared to him, the Justices' Jurisdiction Bill had been yesterday hurried through the House. That measure made some very important alterations in the jurisdiction of quarter sessions; and as the quarter sessions were now sitting nearly all over the country, the effect of its being precipitated into law in this manner would be, that all trials for offences wherein the jurisdiction was now taken from the quarter sessions would be rendered invalid, as coram non judice, and, indeed, it was questionable whether the offenders might not proceed against the chairman of quarter sessions for wrongfully putting them on their trial.
The Lord Chancellordenied that there had been any irregularity in this matter. Full notice had been given within the knowledge of the noble and learned Lord, that the suspension of the Standing Orders should be moved in the case of this bill.
§ The Marquess of Lansdownesaid, that no notice had been given that their Lordships would meet at an earlier hour than usual.
The Lord Chancellorsaid, that it was stated on the votes that the House would meet at half-past three, and the only business set down was this particular bill.
§ Matter dropped.