MOTOR REGULATIONS.
CLARIFICATION NEEDED. (Per Press Association.) NEW PLYMOUTH, April 9. Whether it was necessary to establish "mens rea" or guilty mind to justify a conviction for having only ono headlight burning on a motor car, was a point discussed in the Police Court. The facts were that defendant when driving discovered that one light had failed suddenly. He endeavoured to stop at once, but before the car ,had stopped it was struck by a a •motorcycle. Counsel contended that this was a case in which the motorist should receive consideration. He was not prepared to offer his client as a sacrifice to a test case on appeal. The Magistrate, Mr R. W- Tate, S.M., said it was a pity some wealthy man did not take the case to the Appeal Court for clarification. He had always, held that the motor regulations threw absolute responsibility on the motorist and that it was not necessary to establish "mens rea." In the cases before the Court a small fine was inflicted.
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Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 153, 10 April 1930, Page 2
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169MOTOR REGULATIONS. Ashburton Guardian, Volume 50, Issue 153, 10 April 1930, Page 2
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