GUILTY OR NOT GUILTY.

Thames Star, Volume LVII, Issue 14741, 22 August 1921, Page 8

GUILTY OR NOT GUILTY.

THINGS WE ALL DO. Ask the next man you meet how many times he has offended against the law. He will probably reply indignantly that he has never done so. Then ask him if his expressions of annoyance on losing his collar stud have ever been heard by another. He is less likely to deny this, and then you point out that by allowing his "swear" words to be beard he -has broken the law. If you own land on which persons ore wont to trespass, it may occur to you to to set man traps. Don't! It is an indictable misdemeanour to do so, and the setter will be held responsible for any injuries inflicted, even on a trespasser. But. if protection against burglary is desired traps may be set in the house at night only. You may not shoot that annoying dog which trespasses in your garden, uprooting your choicest plants, even though you have warned Smith-Jones that such will be its fate. Someone may seriously annoy you, and you may aim a blow at him. If your aim is good <a battery has been committed, if you miss, it is an assault. The stricken one himself may return the blow, and in turn break the law. In any case, go indoors to assault him, otherwise" the "beak" may convict both of you of taking part in an affray. Even the small boy who urged you to "go it" is guilty of a misdemeanour in "countenancing and encouraging" an affray.