An address delivered on the 18th of January 1831 on the opening of the commission for that year, issued under the law for establishing at Malta a modified Trial by Jury in certain criminal cases.

Abstract

The Law for establishing Trial By Jury at Malta was promulgated in the latter part of the year 1829 ; and the First Commission issued under it expired, without having had occasion to be carried into effect. A Commission for the year 1830, was opened in the month of February following; when the Chief Justice pronounced a Speech on the origin and spirit of the Law, and the means of its execution.

Three Sessions having since been held, it became of great importance to the Legal Profession and Public in general at Malta, to learn what success had attended this great experiment to reform the administration of the Maltese Criminal Law. The Chief Justice, therefore, felt himself bound, at the opening of the Commission for 1831, to examine this question fully and impartially; which is done in the Address contained in the following pages. [Excerpt]