“THE ATHEIST IN THE LAW COURT.”

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2424, 23 December 1880, Page 4

“THE ATHEIST IN THE LAW COURT.”

The above bids fair to become a heading which the newspapers of all countries will have to keep permanently in type. A case which has just occurred in Bohemia is almost a repetition of the cases which have recently occurred in England. Among the jury in a case to be tried at Tabor was the “ wellknown philosopher Alphous Skastny, of Padarow.” - When it came to be Skastny’s turn to be sworn ho declared that ho belonged to no religious denomination. The President of the Court answered, 41 Yes, but you believe in a God. We are willing to accept your simple promise.’ f Jhe philosopher replied that the President assumed too much, for he was, in fact, an atheist. Hereupon the defendant’s counsel took occasion to state that the promise, if followed, must bo given in legal form, and the bench of Judges withdrew for a short time to discuss the point. On their return the President briefly announced 44 Since Herr Alphous Skastny has publicly declared that he believes in no God, he may, as an honest man, give his promise by raising his hand." The State official who was present objected to this ; that every witness must be sworn in accordance with the actual words of the law, or not at all. The defendant’s counsel also putin a claim to the same effect. The puzzled Judges consulted together once more, and announced their tinal decision as follows : —’ 4 Since Herr Skastny has declared that ho believes in no God, the Court is not qualified to accept his evidence, and he will therefore bo dismissed and his place taken by a substitute.” Herr Skastny accordingly withdrew, but before doing so gave in hip written protest against the Judges’ decision.