HUE AND CRY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20316, 26 January 1928, Page 5

HUE AND CRY.

To-day, the phrase “ hue and cry ” is used to denote such various occurrences as a public outcry against a person, the clamour of pursuit, the search for a missing person, or a proclamation offering a reward for the capture of a criminal. Originally, the phrase was strictly legal, and signified the old common law process of pursuing a criminal with “horn and voice " (says the Newcastle Weekly Chronicle). When a person was robbed, or otherwise aggrieved, or when he had discovered that a crime had been committed, it -was his duty to raise the “hue and cry.” His neighbours were bound by law to turn out immediately and join in the chase. In those days there was no long interval between capture and sentence, and the sentence was usually death. Any or all of those joining in the “hue and cry ” were justified in arresting the person pursued. Woe betide him if, when caught, there was the least evidence of guilt about him. His choice was limited, since resistance meant instant death, while submission was sufficient proof of his guilt. Even if brought before a court of law, he was not allowed to defend himself. There was no need for accusation or indictment. It was sufficient that he had been taken by “hue and cry.” As recently as 1887 an Act was passed which made it compulsory, on a proclamation of “ hue and cry ” by the sheriff of the county, for every person in the district to be “ ready and apparelled ” to turn out and join in the hunt. Defaulters were liable, on conviction, to a heavy fine.