SUPREME COURT OF THE CANAL ZONE. Apr. Term,

vision of the Constitution of the United States that would be applicable to the case at bar and that would be binding upon this court, is contained in the phrase "nor to be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law." The words "due process of law," said Judge Bronson, "cannot mean less than a prosecution or suit instituted and conducted according to the prescribed forms and solemnities for ascertaining guilt or determining the title of property." Potter's Dwarris on Statutes. The definition most generally adopted is that given by Mr. Webster who said "by the law of the land, is most clearly intended the general law, which hears before it condemns, and proceeds upon inquiry, and renders judgment only after trial. The meaning is, that every citizen shall hold his life, liberty, property and immunities under the protection of general rules which govern society. Everything which may pass under the form of legislative enactment, is not therefore the law of the land."
The Supreme Court of the United States, 110 U. S., 156, say: "Any legal proceeding enforced by public authority whether sanctioned by age or custom or newly devised in the discretion of the legislative power in furtherance to the general public good which regards and preserves these principles of liberty and justice," is due process of law.
The defendant, therefore, as he has been tried with the due course of legal proceedings according to these rules and forms, which have been established in the Canal Zone for the protection of private rights, has been tried in manner to meet the constitutional requirements of not being deprived of life without due process of law.
The seventh amendment to the Constitution, which gives every party the right to trial by jury whether the amount in controversy exceeds $20.00, does not apply to trials in state courts:
Edwards v. Elliott, 88 U. S., 532; Pearson v. Yewdall, 95 U. S., 294.
The sixth amendment, providing that the accused shall enjoy the right of a jury trial, applies to Federal and not to State courts:

Williams v. Hert, 110 Federal Reporter, 166.

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