English Judges

and though such commandments do come, the justices shall not therefore leave (omit) to do right in any point.

The judges were sworn to “do equal law, and execution of right, to all the king’s subjects, rich and poor, without having regard to any person;

nor that the justices of whatsoever place it be shall let (omit) to do the common law, by commandment, which shall come to them under the great seal, or the privy seal.

so that this appellate jurisdiction is practically exercised by twelve men of the best legal knowledge.

You have proved, that judges ought to hold their offices during good behaviour, without being subject to be dismissed from office, should I dislike their judgments.

It was at first considered as an attribute of sovereignty, and whilst that was supposed to reside in the king, he either exercised it himself, or delegated it to judges, dependant on his pleasure, and guided by his will.

For these and various other authorities, showing the opinions of English judges, that patents for new inventions were good at Common Law, see Hindmarch on Patents, ch.