Legal Reforms The Lord Chancellor has done something to simplify
legal procedure by his new rules and he promised, in his Mansion House speech last week, to go further in reform- ing the practice of the law. The right of appeal, too often abused by those who take advantage of the many oppor- tunities which now exist, may be restricted by a Bill now in course of preparation. It is especially welcome news that a Bill for the reform of procedure in cases against the Crown has been drafted and only awaits official approval. Ever since the case of De Keyser's Hotel shocked the public with its revelation of the lengths to which unwise civil servants would push the prerogative of the Crown—amounting in that case to confiscation of private property—it has been evident that the depart- ments must somehow be brought within the ordinary compass of the law. It is absurd that any departmental chief who has a difference with a private firm or person over a contract should pose as the mediaeval king against whose actions the ordinary citizen had no redress. Pro- cedure by Petition of Right is clumsy and anomalous. Lord Sankey is assured of general support if he will give effect to the main findings of the recent Committee on this important subject.
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