It is necessary, my lords, for those who are so watchful against the
breach of justice, to prove that any means can be unjust which have no
other tendency than the detection of wickedness, of wickedness too
artful or too powerful to be punished by the common rules of law.
The introduction of new methods of prosecution, is the natural
consequence of new schemes of villany, or new arts of evasion; nor is it
necessary that precedents should be produced, when the wisdom of the
legislature concurs in acknowledging the necessity of extraordinary
measures. Though our constitution is in the highest degree excellent, I
never yet heard that it was perfect, and whatever is not perfect may be
improved. Our laws, however wise, are yet the contrivance of human
policy; and why should we despair of adding somewhat to that which we
inherit from our ancestors? Why should we imagine, that they anticipated
every contingency, and left nothing for succeeding ages?
I think, my lords, with the highest regard both of our laws, and those
by whom they were enacted, but I look with no less veneration on this
illustrious assembly; I believe your lordships equal to your progenitors
in abilities; and therefore, since you cannot but outgo them in
experience, am confident that you may make improvements in the fabrick
which they have erected; that you may adorn it with new beauties, or
strengthen it with new supports.
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