There is no merit in a settlement: it depends upon positive law. - John Eardley Wilmot

God forbid that the rights of the innocent should be lost and destroyed by the offence of individuals.

Settlements are supposed in law to be indifferent to paupers; though they are often in fact desirous of one in preference to another.

You all very well know what deference I always pay, and ever will, to that part of the office of a jury which properly belongs to them. In regard to the law, I have always been as tenacious of the proper function of a Judge, as I have been of that of the jury. I never will, while I have the honour of executing the office of a Judge, attempt to controul or influence their minds in respect of damages; but only submit to them such observations as occur to me upon the evidence.