Page:The Federal and state constitutions v2.djvu/571

1208 and justices of the peace, and such other inferior courts as the legislature may, from time to time, ordain and establish.

The supreme court, except in cases otherwise directed in this constitution, shall have appellate jurisdiction only, which shall be coextensive with the State, under such restrictions and regulations, not repugnant to this constitution, as may from time to time be prescribed by law: Provided, That the supreme court shall have power to issue writs of injunction, mandamus, quo warranto, habeas corpus, and such other remedial and original writs as may be necessary to give a general superintendence and control of inferior jurisdictions.

There shall be held annually, at the seat of government, two sessions of the supreme court, at such times as the legislature may direct.

The supreme court shall consist of one chief justice and two associate justices.

The supreme court may elect a clerk and reporter, who shall respectively receive such compensation as the legislature may prescribe.

The State shall be divided into convenient circuits, and for each circuit there shall be elected a judge, who shall, at the time of his election and as long as he continues in office, reside in the circuit for which he has been elected.

The circuit courts shall have original jurisdiction of all matters, civil and criminal, within this State not otherwise excepted in this constitution; but in civil cases, only where the matter in controversy shall exceed the sum of one hundred dollars.

A circuit court shall be held in each county in the State twice in every year, at such times and places as may be prescribed by law; and the judges of the several circuit courts may hold courts for each other when they may deem it advisable, and shall do so when directed by law.

The legislature may establish a court or courts of chancery with original and appellate equity jurisdiction, and until the establishment of such court or courts the said jurisdiction shall be vested in the judges of the circuit courts respectively; but the judges of the several circuit courts shall have power to issue writs of injunction returnable to the court of chancery.

The legislature shall establish within each county in the State a court of probate for the granting of letters testamentary of the administration and orphans’ business, and the general superintendence of the estates of deceased persons, and such other duties as may be prescribed by law; but in no case shall they have jurisdiction in matters of civil or criminal law.

A competent number of justices of the peace in and for each county shall be elected in such mode and for such term of office as the legislature may direct. Their jurisdiction in civil matters shall be limited to cases in which the amount does not exceed one hundred dollars; and in all cases tried by justices of the peace the right of appeal shall be secured, under such rules and regulations as may be prescribed by law.

The chief justice and associate justices of the supreme court, and judges of the circuit court and courts of chancery, shall, at stated times, receive for their services a compensation which shall be