THE SPIRIT OF THE LAW
(To the Editor.)
Sir, —I wish to congratulate you on the recent,, leading article in your paper concerning the abrogation of a law in respect of a Government utilising its power of discretion, which results in defeating the spirit of the law, by the persistent commutation of the death sentence, irrespective of the circumstances attaching^to a crime.
I do not intend to discuss whether a death sentence is just or not, but the point I am concerned with is the administration of justice in accordance with the law. If the law is right it should be enforced; if it is not right, it should be repealed. Too often have we experienced instances of juries failing to record a conviction on sentimental or personal opinions, and not according to the facts and evidence; similarly. Prison Boards reviewing and reducing sentences after a fair, trial. Can we blame juries for failing in their duties when the example is set by those in authority? Sentiment is overdone these days, and is responsible for too much of the world's present troubles. —I am, etc., VIGILANT.
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Bibliographic details
Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 83, 4 October 1940, Page 6
Word Count
186THE SPIRIT OF THE LAW Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 83, 4 October 1940, Page 6
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