PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. THE Editor has undertaken the compilation of this work, believing that such a treatise is at present much needed by the Magistrates of Ireland. He has endeavoured to embody in one volume their whole duties out of Quarter Sessions, commencing with their jurisdiction over persons charged with the commission of indictable crimes; proceeding with their authority to convict summarily; and concluding with an Appendix of the most useful statutes for general reference. There will also be found a catalogue of offences, and the acts under which the Justices may be called upon to adjudicate. It would not have been possible to have given more extensive extracts from the numerous statutes in the Appendix, without producing a second volume, which would be a considerable drawback to the practical utility of the work, as one of reference. The Editor has therefore been content to give a general outline of each statute under which Magistrates may be called upon to act, in order to afford more space for an explanatory treatise on their general jurisdiction, and on the procedure to be adopted by them when investigating charges of indictable offences, or when adjudicating in a summary manner. From the many actions at law brought against Magistrates, it behoves them to study and make themselves thoroughly acquainted with the limits of their jurisdiction, so that they may act within the scope of their authority; for unless they do so, no matter how unintentionally wrong may be their proceedings, or how pure their motives, they may be involved in actions which they may be compelled to settle by tender of amends, or by the payment of damages and costs. If the Editor has been able to furnish the Irish Magistracy with a guide through their many and arduous duties; if he has been fortunate enough to render them assistance in their office; he will be amply repaid for the labour he has bestowed on the production of this volume. 78, Lower Leeson-street. E. P. L. |