People v. Gordon
People v. Gordon
Opinion of the Court
These defendants were convicted of a violation of section 5395, 2 Comp. Laws, which requires. saloon keepers to keep their saloons closed on the first day, of the week. The saloon in question consisted of two
Counsel for defendants say that there are three questions in the case:
(1) With the fence in place was not the saloon closed in compliance with law ?
(2) Can defendants be convicted in view of the sanction of the method adopted and their own good faith ?
(3) Was the charge of the court erroneous P
It was a violation of the law to keep this place open on Sunday notwithstanding the fact that the bar was surrounded by a temporary fence. People v. Waldvogel, 49 Mich. 337; People v. Cummerford, 58 Mich. 328; People v. Schottey, 116 Mich. 1; People v. Higgins, 56 Mich. 159.; People v. Tolman, 148 Mich. 305; People v. Boyd, 151 Mich. 577.
It was no defense if the defendant in good faith relied upon the advice or permission of a police officer to keep the doors open. Officers have no authority to advise or consent to violations of law, and the intent with which a saloon keeper opens his saloon on Sunday is immaterial under this law. People v. Richmond, 59 Mich. 573;
The court instructed the jury as follows:
“I think, under the decisions of the Supreme Court, that the court could direct a verdict, and tell you, gentlemen, to render a verdict of guilty in this case, but the court will not do that. In order to avoid any question about that matter, the court instructs you that under the proofs in this case and the facts and circumstances that have been shown here on the witness stand, that it is your duty to find the defendants guilty of the offense charged in the information, and you will be permitted to retire, if you desire to, for the consideration of your verdict.”
The jury did retire and after a time returned with a verdict. We are of the opinion that the uncontradicted facts justified the instruction, and that there was no coercion of the jury.
The conviction is affirmed, and the cause remanded for judgment.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- PEOPLE v. GORDON
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