have increased the bulk of the book so much, that it would have defeated the author's intention of compressing the matter so as to bring the book into a convenient size for the pocket; but as it has been considered by some, that a set of practical forms would be a useful appendage to the Pocket Book, the author has it in contemplation, at some day not far distant, to add a series of the most useful and approved forms as a supplement to this little volume. As most of the acts of parliament prescribe forms of convictions, &c. he submits to the justices of the peace the expediency of consulting the acts themselves; and begs leave to suggest, that on all occasions they will use printed forms in preference to written ones, and instead of making transcripts of their proceedings, make duplicate copies. The marginal notes refer to the last edition of that very useful and valuable book Burn's Justice, edited by the indefatigable Sir George Chetwynd, Bart. and M. P.; so that the reader, by turning immediately to that work, may avail himself of the more copious extracts from the several acts of parliament referred to in the placita of the Pocket Book, where there is not an opportunity of consulting the statutes themselves and at the end of each of the placita, the statutes are referred to, whenever the subject relates to them. To give the greater utility to the following pages, the author has affixed to the book an accurate Index of the several matters contained in it. Though the advantages of such an Index are sufficiently obvious of themselves, yet the care and labour which were necessary for rendering it what it should be will be best appreciated by those who, either from the multifarious nature of private practice, or the pressing emergencies of an active magistracy, may have little time for deliberation, and thus be perplexed by partial recollections and divided opinions. For the purposes of immediate decision, the Index will be considered a valuable addendum. A reference to it will instantly evince the utility of it, and likewise best promote the design of the author, that of supplying prompt information without the labour of research. He has also added a Table of the Reigns of the Kings and Queens, which, by occupying a permanent station in this little book, will be always at hand, whenever a reference to chronology may be required, for more readily ascertaining the coincidences between the anno regis and that of the common era. |