POLICE PROSECUTIONS.

Dunstan Times, Issue 523, 26 April 1872, Page 1 (Supplement)

POLICE PROSECUTIONS.

From fho Graj>Ue we extract the following:—“lt is quite time thatthe police were impressed with the idea that they are officers of; ustice., and not merely agents for the prosecution of person whom they take into custody. For want of this knowledge on the part of his captors a drunken sailor was within an ace of being condemned to death at the recent Devon Assizes. Baiun Martin, indeed, in so many woids told the jury that he had passed a sleep l ess night in anticipation of having in the morning to send the unhappy man to the gallows. And there is little doubt that to the gallows he would must assuredly have gone but for the humanity of two gentlemen, who at their own proper charges, travelled fifty miles to give indubitable testimony that he was so insane as to be utterly irresponsible foihis actions. They added that they had communicated their evidence both to the police and to the committing magistrates three months before, stating also that the man was friendless and penniless, but that no steps were taken to secure their attendance at the trial. The judge warmly commended them, and as indignantly condemned the conduct of the police. The latter ought to remember, he said, that it was as much their duty to produce facts in a prisoner’s favor as it was to produce facts against him. Would not the appointment of educated and responsible public prosecutors do something to. remedy this evil f