THE VIRUS OF PERJURY.

Dunstan Times, Issue 3144, 20 November 1922, Page 8

THE VIRUS OF PERJURY.

■» ■ •■ ((By Templar.) . In our anger at stupid legal conditions notoriously giving rise to perjurv in the courts, we are in danger of 'condoning perjury itself. Such a result is a menace to the integrity of justice and the protection of the State. . The virus of perjury is the worst poison that can percolate through society. Before things get worse, let us think out the position and take steps to end the mischief. We may disagree as to the legal conditions under which perjured persons seek to defend themselves. Some may think the remedy of perjury, harmful as it is to society, more to be tolerated than the causes which bring it about. Others may consider that these causes do not warrant the offence ot perjury, and that these so-called unjust legal conditions are merely prayed in aid of mischievous conduct. Whatever our view may be as to these matters, we should agree in recognising that the false bearing of witness is a critical danger to society. Consider what the effect of this poison of perjury is likely to be in the State. Unless we can ensure that persons giving evidence in courts of justivc feel under a compulsion to speak the truth, what confidence can be placed in the administration of justice ? And, if confidence in justice lad, what can abide? We enter upon a condition in which the bonds of society loosen as respect for law diminishes and obedience to its sanctions declines. Throughout our history we have not faltered in a determination! to escape this ultimate disaster. We know that, as respect for law sinks in the estimation of the public, we approach a stage in which the dissolution of organised society has already begun. What are some of the signs of this condonation of the virus of pcrjun ? The daily papers exhibit them with deplorable frequency. Persons! indicted for this grave offence in various'court* are presented as victims of legal' injustice which, excuses their crime. Even a, judge: is reported ae saying: "You chose the latter" (addressing a prisoner accused of stating what was untrue), "and although you have committed the crime it is not surprising.'' 1 do not reeaill a ease in which a judge has admonished a prisoner in the sense that the commission of his offence wins not surprising. No course, it seems to me, could 1 be less calculated to inspire or maintain respect for the law. and it indicates a tendency which must be stopped at all costs. Prosecutions for perjury are for the protection of the State, and essential crime, and any condonation, particularly from the Judicial Bench, will lead to serious public mischief. J repeat that, in our anger at, unjust laws which prompt persons to commit perjury, we must be careful not to excuse a crime which goes to the root of society. Let us insist upon the law being amended in accordance with prevailing conceptions of public justice'. But let us not excuse the deception of our Courts by persons who think} they are entitled to take advantage of bad laws.

The following statistics show the percentage to the total area of Japan,of the various classes of land in liHtf:Arable, 15.6 per cent. ; meadows and pastures, 0.1 per cent.; grass land and heather (excluding pastures), 9.0 per cent.; forests. 18..'i per cent.: dwellings, roads, etc.. 27 per cent.