But, notwithstanding the great number of respectable names, which are in the different commissions in and near the Metropolis; and although all who have qualified have equal jurisdiction with the Police Justices, within their respective districts; yet the efficient duty for the whole of the Metropolis, so far as it relates to the detection of offenders, is principally limited to two classes of Magistrates—namely,—
| 1. The 26 Aldermen of London, whose jurisdiction is confined to the ancient limits of the City, comprehending 25 Wards, in which are 21,642 houses on the London side, and Bridge Ward without, in the Borough | 26 | |
| 2. The established Magistrates, three of whom preside at each of the seven Public Offices, appointed by the Act of the 32d of his present Majesty, cap. 53. viz.— | ||
| 1. Public Office, Queen's-Square, Westminster | 3 | |
| 2. Public Office, Marlborough-Street | 3 | |
| 3. Public Office, Hatton-Garden | 3 | |
| 4. Public Office, Worship-Street, Shoreditch | 3 | |
| 5. Public Office, Whitechapel | 3 | |
| 6. Public Office, Shadwell | 3 | |
| 7. Public Office, Union-Street, Southwark | 3 | |
| 21 | ||
| 8. Existing (previous to the Act) at the Public Office, Bow-Street | 3 | |
| 24 | ||
| 9. The Thames Police Institution at Wapping, for the River only | 2 | |
| 26 | ||
| Total efficient Magistrates who sit in rotation, daily, in the Metropolis | 52 | |
The jurisdiction of the Magistrates presiding at the seven Public Offices, not only extends to Westminster and Middlesex; (and, in most instances, lately, to the liberty of the Tower:) but also to the counties of Surry, Kent, and Essex, from which considerable advantages in the prompt detection and apprehension of offenders have accrued to the Public: The only difficulty that now remains to be removed, with respect to the clashing of jurisdictions, is that which regards the city of London; where, from its contiguity, and immediate and close connection with every other part of the Metropolis, considerable inconveniences and injuries to the public are felt, not only from the circumstance of the jurisdiction of the City Magistrates not being extended over the whole of the Metropolis, as well as the four adjoining counties; but also from the Police Magistrates having no authority quickly to follow up informations, by issuing warrants to search for property, and to apprehend persons charged with offences in the City. The whole difficulty resolves itself into a mere matter of punctilio, founded perhaps on ill-grounded jealousy, or misapprehension, which a little explanation would probably remove.
Where the object is to do good;—and where not even the shadow of harm can arise, no limits should be set to local jurisdictions; especially where privileges are proposed to be given; (as in this case, to the city of London;)—and where none are to be taken away.
For the purpose of establishing a complete and well-connected System of detection, some means ought certainly to be adopted, more closely to unite the City and Police Magistrates,[121] that they may, in a greater degree, go hand in hand in all matters regarding the general interest of the Metropolis and its environs; making the suppression of crimes one common cause, and permitting no punctilio, regarding jurisdiction, to prevent the operation of their united energy in the prompt detection of offenders; This, from the extended state of Commerce and Society, and the great increase of property, is now rendered a measure in which the inhabitants of the whole Metropolis, as well as the adjacent villages, have a common interest. It is an evil, which affects all ranks, and calls aloud for the speedy adoption of some effectual remedy.
CHAP. XV.
The prevailing practice explained, when offenders are brought before Magistrates.—The necessary caution, as well as the duty of Magistrates in such cases explained.—Professed thieves seldom intimidated when put upon their trial, from the many chances they have of escaping.—These chances shortly detailed.—Reflections on the false humanity exercised by prosecutors towards prisoners.—Their rudeness and cruelty, when engaged in acts of criminality.—The delays and expences of prosecutions, a great discouragement, inducing sufferers to put up with their loss, in silence.—How the inconvenience may be remedied.—An account of the different Courts of Justice, appointed for the trial of offences committed in the Metropolis.—Five inferior and two superior Courts.—A statement, shewing the number of prisoners convicted and discharged during the last year.—Reflections on this sad catalogue of depravity.—A radical defect somewhere.—The great purity of the Judges of England.—The propriety of a co-operation with them, in whatever shall tend to promote the ends of Public Justice.—This object to be attained, in the greatest possible degree, by means of an authorised Public Prosecutor.—The advantages of such an institution, in remedying many abuses which prevail in the trial of offenders.—From 2500 to 3000 persons committed for trial, by Magistrates, in the Metropolis, in the course of a Year.—The chief part afterwards returned upon Society.