Fosselman v. City of Springfield

Joseph B. Fosselman was a justice of the peace in the city of Springfield, duly elected and qualified for eight years, his first term beginning April, 1881. In May, 1882, the city of Springfield became incorporated under the general incorporation law, since which time it has exercised its corporate powers thereunder. The city instituted and prosecuted to judgment, before Justice Fosselman, within the five years prior to the bringing of this suit, 283 suits—misdemeanors, all of them, for violations of the city’s ordinances. In each of the cases a fine was imposed, and a judgment rendered in…