Scotland

has been endeavouring to effect a reform in the judicial system in operation there. At present the Sheriffs' Courts have very extensive civil jurisdiction. All cases decided in them are first heard before the Sheriff-Substitute, gene-rally a judge of great experience and learning. From his decision an appeal lies to the Sheriff, from whose judgment, when the amount involved is beyond a certain sum, an appeal lies to the Court of Session. The contemplated reform, if brought about, will extend the jurisdiction of the Sheriffs' Court yet further, and make the Court of Session practically a Court of Appeal only. Whether with us the jurisdiction of the District Court should be enlarged or the procedure in the Supreme Court simplified the great aim of any reform should be expedition, reduction of costs in the higher court, and finality of litigation. I shall now give some particulars regarding some of the