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¬of Armata is, that the power of accusation, in the highest offences, is vested also in a popular tribunal, which, in ancient practice, extended to inferior offences ; but summary jurisdictions had for a long- time been undermining this great security against oppression. — The creation of an immense revenue, and the powers necessary for its collection, had introduced a new system, which, extending by analogy and custom to many collateral cases, had greatly altered the condition of the Armatan people. — Their exclu- sive, dominion over the greatest offences remained inviolate, but they were subject in too many instances to the jurisdiction of the lower magis- trates, without appeal for the facts to their equals, or to their superior judges for the law. ¬This is an evil which in its beginning ought to have been zealously opposed. — When new conditions of society arise in any country, the objects of justice cannot but multiply, and many changes in ancient systems must necessa- rily follow; but the utmost caution should be ¬k 3 used ¬
