The Suites-set County Gazette states, that Baron Gurney's sentences in
the criminal courts on the late Western Circuit have attracted much at- tention, on account of their severity-
" Never did we see such a calendar of sentences as that of our last A.ssizes. The most trifling offences Were visited with punishments usually reserved for great crimes. It is impossible to read without a shudder the ,disproportien between the emilt and the punishment. Doubtless the learned Judge had good motives fur dos severity. Perhaps he thought that the increase of crime might be checked by the example of harsher sentences than usual. But suck is not the opinion of the hummer portion of the public ; and we are bound, as public pro- tectors of the pour, who cannot protect themselves, to express the most decided disapprobation of a policy so contrary to the whole tendency of modern views of criminal legislation, and which, we believe, while it will fail in securing the desired ebjeet Of repressing crime, will excite among the classes subjected toit a feeling of hostility to the law anil its dispensers, which may not be easily sub- dued, and which, once entertained, may lead to the worst consequences. We have noted only that which fell under our own observation ; but we should add, that we were Informed that similar remarks have been made throughout the circuit, and the bar has been not the least lonti in its complaints."
Baron Gurney is also charged with another grievous fault in a judge : the same respectable journal remarks-
" It may not be amiss to suggest to the learned Baron the propriety of a little less haste in the disposal -of criminal trials. The consequences to the pri- soner are too serious to permit even the show of undue speed in his trial. The liberty of' a life is at stake; and the charge against him should be as fully and calmly discussed as au action involving some 50/. in the other court. It may be gratifyiug to the learned Baron to be called the Railroad Judge ;' it may prove his skill in short-hand ; it may be that the work is really as well done as if done deliberately ; but some deference is due to the prejudices of the public, which have been hitherto strongly in favour of a solemn slowness in the trials of prisoners. We cannot accept the excuse we have heard offered, that the learned Judge has been eneaged for some time at the Old Bailey. The prac- tice of that court will not 'please in the country, and we sincerely trust that it will not again be attempted."
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