315
Minds and wishes both of communities and of individuals are not a little moulded by the influence of the law and institutions under which they have grown up; and in this, as in all other matters, which must be decided by a balancing of rival advantages, it is usual to ascertain the direction of public opinion. Now in France, as well as in Italy, Belgium, Spain and in the other countries where the Code Napoléon or the principles of French law have been established, - indeed, I believe, nearly throughout the Continent of Europe, - permission to the Law Officers of the State, or to other Public Prosecutors, to take private practice, would be regarded as utterly inconsistent with any proper administration of the law. Indeed The Parquet (to use the French phrase) is considered almost as a part of the Judicature. To cite an example where inhabitants have been reared under French law, as in Mauritius, nothing could be more repugnant to the public idea of justice, or more fatal to general confidence in the Administration of the laws.