Examine the end of a kerosene cask, and find out what the marks on it mean. By reference to the latest report of the secretary of the state board of immigration, find out what inducements to immigrants this state offers. Is there probably such a board as this in the eastern states? Why? In European countries? Why?
Does your school receive copies of the pamphlets issued by the state board of health?
CHAPTER XV.
THE JUDICIAL BRANCH.
We have seen that minor differences may be adjudicated in each town, village and city, by justices of the peace and municipal courts; and that courts having jurisdiction unlimited as to the amount at controversy are held in every county. And these may all be properly called state courts, the state being subdivided into judicial districts, each comprising one or more counties, for the purpose of bringing justice within the reach of every person. But there is also in every state a
STATE SUPREME COURT.
Need of.—The supreme court is needed for the following reasons:
1. To review cases on appeal. Notwithstanding the great care exercised in the lower courts, errors are liable to occur, and the person aggrieved may ask for a new trial. If this be denied, he may appeal to the supreme court. Appeals are usually taken on one or more of three grounds—(a) On exceptions to rulings of the judge as to the admissibility of testimony; (b) On exceptions to the judge's charge to the jury; (c) On the ground that the verdict of the jury is not warranted by the evidence.
2. To interpret the law. The exceptions referred to in the preceding paragraph may involve the meaning of a law. In that case the decision of the supreme court establishes the meaning of the law in question, and the lower courts of the state are thereafter bound by the interpretation given.
3. To pass upon the constitutionality of a law. The appeal may be made for the purpose of testing the constitutionality of a law. If declared unconstitutional by the supreme court, the law is void.