Author Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1920 Excerpt:...favor it. I suspect that ultra-conservatism, fear of breaking away from old and familiar practices, is the controlling factor in the reluctance of the others. All of the members of both the courts have great respect for the views and the wishes of the members of this Association. Suppose we tell them again, and tell them plainly what we wish them to do in respect of these matters; and I believe they will listen to us. SELECTION OF JUDGES AND THEIR TENURE OF OFFICE. PAPER BY H. H. SWIFT, OF COLUMBUS. In discussing what method is best by which to select and obtain well qualified judges, consideration must also be given to the duration of the term of office and the compensation to be attached to the office. Proper remuneration for one who holds the office is as important a consideration as either any method of selection or as an appropriate tenure of office in securing good judges. The entire subject has been thoroughly and ably discussed before the Bar Association on several previous occasions. The last time was in 1909. Perhaps the Executive Committee in again assigning the subject for discussion, assumed that what was said as long ago as 1909 has been forgotten. In any event, I will be pardoned in narrating some facts, more or less known, and in giving expression to some old thoughts in the hope that present conditions will emphasize their application. Experience being a good teacher, Georgia ought to be well qualified to determine how it prefers to have its judges selected. In the history of our judicial system, we have tried, for very considerable periods of time, having our judges elected by the General Assembly, appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, and for the past twenty-two years the present vicious and intolerable syst...