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Rule to be observed by sheriffs of counties having fewer than ten baronies or half baronies in framing the grand jury panel.
Sheriffs liable to fine for neglect of rule.
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9. The sheriff of each county in Ireland in which there are not ten baronies or half baronies, shall, in framing the panel of persons summoned to serve on the grand jury of such county at each assizes, observe the rule herein-after following; (that is to say,) he shall place first on such panel for each barony or half barony in such county the name of some person having in such barony or half barony freehold lands of the yearly value of fifty pounds and upwards, or leasehold lands of the yearly value of one hundred pounds over and above the amount of rent payable out of or for such leasehold lands, so that, as far as can be, one fit and competent person having lands of the value aforesaid and resident in each barony, if the same can be found therein respectively, shall be placed upon such panel; and having in such manner selected such one fit and proper person for each barony and half barony, the sheriff shall complete the said panel as now by law authorised and directed; and the persons taken from the panel so framed shall be and constitute the grand jury or inquest of such county, anything in any writ, precept, or venire facias expressed or directed, or any law, statute, usage, or custom, to the contrary notwithstanding, and as if such grand jury were altogether composed of freeholders: Provided always, that no presentment or indictment made or found by any grand jury shall be liable to be traversed, quashed, or in any manner impeached by reason of the grand jury not being selected as aforesaid; but any sheriff of such county who shall wilfully omit or neglect to follow the rule hereby made for the selection of the grand jury, shall be liable, on a, complaint made to the judge of assize, to be fined such sum as to such judge shall seem proper.
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