Page:American Journal of Sociology Volume 5.djvu/165

 SOCIAL ASPECT OF NEW YORK POLICE COURTS 151

while hearing each case, and made facetious, sometimes posi- tively vulgar, comments in the intervals. This kind of spice was evidently much enjoyed by clerks and officers, while the impas- sive, sodden, tearful, or defiant prisoner took it as a matter of course. Magistrate No. 4 in a quiet, gentlemanly manner glanced at the papers containing the charge, secured the name of the prisoner, addressed him as "Mister" or "Madam," stated the charge, and heard what the prisoner had to say. His patient and deliberate ways were calculated to inspire confidence. He made no sarcastic or witty comments, and, although obliged to work very rapidly, as all the magistrates must, made an evident attempt to grasp the case and to do it justice.

It would seem obvious that a magistrate should be a good lawyer; yet when it is remembered that 79 per cent, of the cases in his court are never appealed, it can be seen that there is not the stimulus to professional ambition which exists in every other court. The contrast between the civil and criminal magistrates, in this respect, is marked. The magistrate sets the social tone of the courtroom ; it is therefore of the utmost importance that he should be, above all, dignified and self-co7itained — not playing to the audience either by sarcastic witticisms or by trite and superfluous moralization. If he be really just, he must be patient and must have a thorough knowledge of human nature. A refined and interested manner is of great value in getting at the character of the first offender especially. In short, the police magistrate should be a man of learning, character, experience, and judgment.

Second only in importance to the magistrate is the rounds- man who introduces the prisoner to the justice, repeats what he has to say, and acts as general intermediary. The roundsman in the court of Magistrate No. i, whose irascible temper has been described, was a model officer : patient, kind, reasonable ; repeating what the faint-hearted prisoner said, as : " I was drunk, your honor! " or, " It'll be a meritorious act if you'll be aisy on me, your honor ! " or, " I've nothing to say, your honor!" He assisted the prisoner to understand what the judge meant, or to make up her mind, or sometimes suggested to the judge that she