On the expediency of the total abolition of grand juries in Ireland

Abstract

The grand jury is the only public institution now in existence which on a large scale controls and administers taxation without representation. The grand jury is selected by one individual irresponsible to all authority, except public opinion, and the occasional and ineffectual remonstrance of the judge of assize. The High Sheriff, in obedience to the precept, summonses a panel of country gentlemen giving precedence as a matter of courtesy to the county representatives, who are generally absent on parliamentary duty; selecting after them certain customary baronial representatives; and then such landed proprietors as favour, friendship, political influence, or relationship, may induce him to prefer.