Nuhou, Volume I, Number 24, 16 May 1873 — REVERENCE FOR JUDICIAL AUTHORITY. [ARTICLE]

REVERENCE FOR JUDICIAL AUTHORITY.

Judicial ability and experience are well calculated to inspire reverence when exercised for the illustration of the tribunal of justice; but when exercised in a political or a diplomatic action they must expect to encounter the antagonism of political warfare. And we would say especially and in particular that the purity of the ermine and the integrity of the bench, should never be stained or infringed upon by taking part in political management or by being engaged in the duties of political dry nursing. Great judges of other lands have fallen through an overweening desire to have a hand in political manipulation, and we think that our judiciary has suffered and is suffering from the same cause. Why should the sacred office of the administration of justice be dragged into the conflict of partisan warfare? When it is done it must be expected that there will be a loss of reverence and influence; and that a resolute and intelligent opposition of a government will attack the most sacred authorities who enter into the arena of polities and who try to bolster up with their abilities the deficiencies of candidates whom they have mainly helped to thrust in office.