“GUILTY MIND.”
POINT IN MOTOR LAW. By Telegraph—Pres* ajisociatlon. NEW PLYMOUTH, April 9. Whether it was necessary to establish mens rea or guilty mind to justify conviction for having only one headlight burning on a 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, bue before the car had stopped it was struck by a motor-cycle. 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, said it was a pity some wealthy man did not take the case to appeal 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 case before the Court a small fine was inflicted.
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Bibliographic details
Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18540, 10 April 1930, Page 8
Word Count
165“GUILTY MIND.” Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18540, 10 April 1930, Page 8
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