PRINTED FOR J. & W. T. CLARKE, LAW BOOKSELLERS, AND BALDWIN, CRADOCK & JOY, PATERNOSTER-ROW. 1823. PREFACE. Ir is now twelve years since the Editor of these Reports began to take notes of the arguments and judicial opinions delivered in Appeal Cases in the House of Lords. Many causes have concurred to delay the publication of the matter collected in the course of his attendance since the year 1811. The want of experience, and the fear of intruding upon the public an unfaithful or unworthy memorial of those important decisions which (judicially) constitute irrevocable law, were not least or lightest of the motives for pause and deliberation. But the sudden appearance of other Reports surprised the Editor, in the midst of his doubts, adding accumulated weight to existing objections; and if he could have satisfied himself as to his competency for the arduous duties of a Reporter, he felt an invincible repugnance to enter into a com |