Page:Arkansas Constitution 1874.pdf/206

193 justices of the peace, until otherwise directed by the general assembly; and original jurisdiction in all matters of contract, where the sum in controversy is over one hundred dollars. It shall hold its terms at such place in each county as may be by law directed.

4. The state shall be divided into convenient circuits, each to consist of not less than five, nor more than seven counties contiguous to each other, for each of which a judge shall be elected, who, during his continuance in office, shall reside and be a conservator of the peace within the circuit for which he shall have been elected

5. The circuit courts shall exercise a superintending control over the county courts, and over justices of the peace, in each county in their respective circuits; and shall have power to issue all the necessary writs to carry into effect their general and specific powers.

6. Until the general assembly shall deem it expedient to establish courts of chancery, the circüit courts shall have jurisdiction in matters of equity, subject to appeal to the supreme court, in such manner as may be prescribed by law.

7. The general assembly shall, by joint vote of both houses, elect the judges of the supreme and circuit courts, a majority of the whole number in joint vote being necessary to a choice. The judges of the supreme court shall be at least thirty years of age; they shall hold their offices during the term of eight years from the date of their commissions. Immediately after such election, by the first general assembly, the president of the senate and speaker of the house of representatives shall proceed by lot to divide the judges into three classes. The commission of the first class shall expire at the end of four years; of the second class at the end of six years; and of the third class at the end of eight years, so that one-third of the whole number shall be chosen every four, six and eight years. The judges of the circuit court shall be at least twenty-five years of age, and shall be elected for the term of four years from the date of their conmissions. The supreme court shall appoint its own clerk or clerks, for the term of four years. The