[i roto i te reo Māori]

§ 28.

Now, listen to the reason why a man charged with a serious Criminal Offence has to appear twice before a tribunal; i e., first before a Magistrate and afterwards before the Supreme Court. It is from the great regard of the Law for the life and liberty of a man. In the eye of the Law there is nothing above these. Hence great caution is used that no one shall be put to death or imprisoned without good and certain cause. The Law does not proceed hastily. Therefore it is provided that one of the heads of the Magistrates, and a Jury composed of twelve of his fellow citizens, shall investigate the truth of the allegation made against a man, and declare whether it be true or false; whether the accused ought to be punished or not. This is an excellent provision. The whole people greatly regard and prize this law and would by no means be willing that it should be altered, because it respects the life and person of a man so greatly.