Criminal Code and Constabulary Manual for British Guiana (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1895 Excerpt: ...there. Reports on the subject to be made to the Inspector General. 2. Every person who commits any common nuisance to the lives, health, or safety of the public, or any individual is guilty of a misdemeanour. Impr. 2 years. Ord. 18, 1893, sec. 361. See"Minor Offences.") OATHS--NATURE OF. 1. It is a Policeman's duty when called on by a Magistrate, to give evidence for or against a fellow creature, whether it be to clear the innocent or convict the guilty. 2. He is to speak the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. The oath he takes before giving evidence, should compel him to do so. By kissing the Bible he shows his willingness to do this. 3. He should state what he really saw, heard, or did in the matter, keeping nothing back that he knows concerns the question at issue. 4. Men are required to swear to the evidence they give in a court of justice because it is thought right to remind them thus solemnly that they are about to speak in the presence of God, that they may be more cautious, lest their feelings lead them to say that which is untrue or to keep back any part of the truth. 5. A man really desirous of speaking only the plain truth, will, when sworn, think well on each question before commencing to answer it. If he do not clearly understand the question put to him, he will say so at once, when the Judge or Magistrate will cause it to be explained to him. He should never be in a hurry to answer, but take time to consider what is the real truth in tho matter required of him. When he feels he has spoken the truth, he adheres to it, and should not easily be induced, under cross-examination even, to go back from what he has said. 6. Some men, it is known, do not sufficiently regard the sanctity of an oath, and others, through malice, ...