Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 08.pdf/79

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page needs to be proofread.
60
The Green Bag.

thusiasm for the strong and heroic; and well deserving the special enthusiasm of all who have to do with law and lawyers. Surely these extracts from the famous document are not grown entirely archaic in these days of equal rights for none and special privi leges for all. Heroic judges might com mend these words to some of their suit ors: — "... The King's desire always is and was, that everybody, be they high or low, rich or poor, get prompt justice; and that, without regard of person or rank, no subject of his fail at any time of equal right and protection from his courts of law. . . "Wherefore with respect to this most un just sentence against the miller Arnold of the Pommerzig Crabmill, pronounced in the Neumark and confirmed here in Berlin, the King will establish a never-to-be-forgotten example; to the end that all courts of jus tice in all the King's provinces may take warning thereby, and not commit the like glaring unjust acts. For let them bear in mind that even a beggar is no less than His

Majesty a human being, and one to whom due justice must be meted out. . . . And whenever the law courts do not carry out justice in a straightforward manner, without fear or favor, but put aside natural fairness, then let them look out for Seiner Koniglichen Majestdt. For a court of law doing injustice is more dangerous and pernicious than a band of thieves; against these one can protect oneself; but against rogues who make use of the cloak of justice to accom plish their evil passions, against such, no man can guard himself. These are worse than the greatest knaves the world contains, and deserve double punishment. . . Courts which fail to deal in equity and justice and natural fairness henceforth can see from the example I have made in this case, that they will be visited with swift and rigorous pun ishment. "... Of which all Colleges of Justice in all His Majesty's provinces are particu larly to take notice." And they did take notice — and do to this day.