Parker v. City of Williamsburgh

Brown, Justice.

At the common law, a party could. not appear and prosecute and defend in a court of law by attorney, without a special warraiit by writ, or letters patent. In this *251state the right to appear by attorney is recognized by the constitution, and the manner of the appointment and the powers, duties and obligations of the attorney, are all regulated by the statute, and the rules and practice of the court. He is regarded as an officer of the court, performing important functions in the administration of justice, and his acts and conduct in the prosecution and defence of actions are…