Is the Law Asleep?

Horowhenua Chronicle, 23 April 1910, Page 3

Is the Law Asleep?

(•'The Freelance.") Xo one questions that \V. 11. Overton shot .»iicliael Quirko dead up at faliiicrstou Xortili mi Monday week tlir.nigh mistaking him for the escaped prisoner, J'awelka. But is ilia: -iny reason why tho authorities should depart fri.m tho usual procedure in these matters? Why is W. 11. Overtoil not called upon to answer to the law for the taking of 'luiii.an life? We do not doubt that be will be able to show that lie believed he wa.s sheeting in self-de-i': nee, .ami that he had the conviction that his own life was in imminent danger. Still, the duty lies up.ill those who are responsible lor the administrate n of the law to put the nenn upon his trial, in order that lie may be held justified after duj inquiry in the proper w.ay. Ts the taking of human life a matter of such trivial ordinary concern that' a case of homicide can bo passed ov simply because .a coroner holds an inquest, and, without troubling ev n to empanel a jury, returns a ve.dict that "Michael Quirke died by misadventure?" A coroner's iii.-juest at best is only a porfunc-t-n• • v sort of inquiry. It does not simply the place of Court_ proceedin 'v. "When human life is taken, ev 'U in circumstances that, leavono gr.:uiui for evil intent, British law ro.uires to be satisfied, .and therefore places the slaver upon his trial. AYhy is the case now under w>tH> taken cut of that category?- These av> questions that tho community hr. 'o a. right to risk.