The Revolt against Empiricism in the Criminal Law American law. It should be done by men of highest eminence and peculiar fitnem, suitably aided by a large staff of clerical subordinates. . . . It is assumed, reasonably it seems to us, that in due time all the money
invested in making it would return to the foundation for further use in connection with similar service to society through later ex positions of law in its higher ranges. The project has the highest indorsement from judges, lawyers and publicists. It now awaits its multi-millionaire or a group of investors who will, under proper restrictions, venture
on it as a speculation of a commendable type. Philadelphia Telegraph: AN AMBITIOUS LEGAL UNDER TAKING The proposition of distinguished lawyers to bring about "a complete and compre hensive statement in adequate perspective of the entire body of the American law," will strike the average layman as an under taking almost impossible of accomplishment. The value of such a "foundation of jurispru dence" cannot, however, be doubted. It requires no legal training to comprehend that the laws of this country, in the nature of
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things, are more or less a jumble, the authori
ties not always being at agreement. . . . It is declared by Mr. George D. Watrous, president of the Connecticut State Bar Association, that there is practical unanimity with respect to the urgent need of such a statement of the entire law, although opinions may differ as to whether and how it can be done. Mr. Lucien Hugh Alexander, of Philadelphia,
Professor
G.
W.
Kirchwey,
of Columbia University, and Dr. James DeWitt Andrews of New York, have a plan which they have set forth in a memorandum. It is proposed to have a board of editors, not exceeding seven in number, who will have final and authoritative control over such matter as may be accepted for publica tion. Of course, this board would have to depend upon the assistance of scores of able members of the profess'on. The work could not be expected to pay for itself, and for that reason the question of funds becomes an important one. Mr. Watrous believes that the man who “steps forth to establish the longed-for foundation" will insure himself a fame in the history of law-givers equal to that of Justinian and Napoleon. . . . The work contemplated would be invaluable to scholars throughout the world.
The Revolt Against Empiricism in the Criminal Law HE appearance of a new journal de voted to the scientific study of the problems of criminal law should furnish an occasion for rejoicing to the bench and bar of the United States. The establishment of the journal of Criminal Law and Crimino logy testifies to the awakening of a new interest in these pressing questions. The new peri odical makes its appearance under an able and distinguished editorship, as the organ of the American Institute of Criminal Law and Criminology, which, it will be remembered,
is the happy outgrowth of a conference on criminal law held at Chicago in June, 1909, in observance of the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the law school of North western University. The purposes of the journal are those of the Institute, namely, "to further the scientific study of crime,
criminal law and procedure, to formulate and promote measures for solving the prob lems connected therewith,
and
to
co-ordi
nate the efiorts of individuals and of organiza tions interested in_ the administration of certain and speedy justice." The Green Bag has strongly advocated a scientific basis for legal studies, and cordially approves of this movement to bring men of science and men of the law together in closer co-operation for the attainment of results which to be valuable must be the outcome of such col laboration. No argument is needed to show the use fulness of such a journal. The facts brought out by the editor, Professor James W. Garner of the University of Illinois, in an editorial article, are, however, of interest. To quote: "During the sessions of the National Conference
