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The method of reference by numeration [of the parts articles refered to] seems to
have been neglected in the Law, for no other reason but because than that its simple:
in every other Science, [&] on every other occasion of life, it is of in
daily use and of manifest advantage.
There is this however to be observed [concerning it] that it's adoption of it depends
not only upon only what is done at the time and upon the instrument
referring: because the Law must remain at best a subject of laborious speculation. [ but upon what has been done before and upon the instrument
referred to. penetrated by the persuasion that seems to prove pervade the Law that that must be best Law which excites most labor.
This being the case, it is apparent that any plan of diversion & correspondent numeration which
can be pursued with respect to [any] future instruments of Legislation
can only stop the progress of and not cure the evil which has arisen
from it's neglect: something must be done to those which are already
extant in order to receive those advantages to the extent of which they
are susceptible: I say of which they are susceptible, for it will presently
be seen, that their capacity has limits very far short of.
That something is obvious enough, & is easily excused: it is only to take
some printed edition, Ruffhead's for example I believe there is no difference,
& from that to transcribe on the Parliament Roll the number of each Section.
As that Edition of the Statutes which is printed by authority is not
numbered, it will be necessary to declare that other Edition whatever
it is which is used, to, for this purpose, the standard of authenticity.
The circumstances which seems to have guided the numeration is
the [termination] commencement of a fresh Sentence
This commencement seems to be evidence by one of these three Marks.
1st. A conjunction introducing the formulary of original enactment
as "And be it further enacted." or
2d A conjunction introducing some recital And whereas &c.
"And for the better discovering" &c.
3d The limitative term "Provided".
The division & consequently the numeration will admit of no further
minuteness, because beyond these there are no other assignable points
whereat any Article can be said to begin or end.
Thus it is there are certain
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Identifier: | JB/070/085/001"JB/" can not be assigned to a declared number type with value 70. |
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070 |
of laws in general |
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085 |
composit. statutes one with another perspicuity - mechanical helps to - numbering of divisions - pointing |
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001 |
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copy/fair copy sheet |
1 |
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recto |
a1 |
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[[watermarks::gr [crown motif] [britannia with shield motif]]] |
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23200 |
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