" The Unwritten Law "

Wanganui Herald, Volume XXXXIII, Issue 12580, 29 September 1908, Page 5

" The Unwritten Law "

NEW PLYMOUTH, September 28.

James Mercer, a man past middle-age, charged with assault on John Keogh at Patea, was found guilty of causing grievous bodily harm, the jury recommending leniency. His Honor agreed, saying he was justified in considering that the assault was committed in hot blood after Mercer had been seriously insulted by Keogh.

Accused was bound over to keep the peace for two years, and to find personal security of <£st) and two other similar amounts.

In his address to the jury his Honor said that the jury must not be influenced by the idea that Keogh received no more punishment than he deserved, for the "unwritten law" of America was not in force here. He would, however, pay the greatest attention to any suggestion from the jury that accused had acted under great provocation.