Carothers v. Scott & Watt

The law does not presume that one citizen has any authority to arrest another; and hence the general rule is, that the defendant must shew his authority for arresting or imprisoning, in actions of this kind. I think this case, on the evidence, an exception to the rule, for what necessity is there for putting the defendant to prove a fact already established by the plaintiff’s evidence? The plaintiff has proven that the defendant, Scott, was an acting justice of the peace; this is sufficient to charge him as a justice, if such were the form of action. But can it be considered by the court, as a fact proven in the case ? If this action were attempted to be sustained on the ground of usurpation, or that these defendants were pretending to act, the one as a justice of the peace, and the other as a constable, and so committed the trespass complained of, there would be reason and propriety in adhering to the rule requiring them to shew their authority — but the ground on which the suit is placed, is not, that the defendant, Scott, is not a justice; but that, being a justice, duly commissioned and qualified, he was guilty of such an excess of jurisdiction, as renders him liable in this action. It is not the first arrest that is complained of, but the second; this is evident, not from the declaration, for that is general, but from the case made, by the plaintiff’s counsel. By holding the defendant, Scott, to shew that he acted in a judicial capacity, we should require proof of a fact not disputed, but for the purpose of resisting this motion, proof of a fact which is not, indeed, in dispute between the parties. It is contended, on behalf of the plaintiff, that the justice was guilty of an excess of jurisdiction, in causing the plaintiff to be re-arrested, and committing him until he gave other security; and that the defendant, Watt, acted by an authority which was void in law.

If a justice of the peace is satisfied, on, examination of the evidence in a criminal prosecution, that there are probable grounds to believe the person charged is guilty, it is his duty to commit such person to prison, unless he gives good security in such sum as the justice may order, conditioned to appear at the next court *229of common, pleas--he should ascertain the sufficiency of the security offered; should, if necessary, examine, on oath, the bail offered; but, with all ordinary precaution, a pauper may be imposed on him as a man of substance. What is he to do in such case ? A man, charged with arson, robbery, or burglary, all bailable offences, against whom the circumstances are strong and the evidence positive, has procured himself to be liberated, on bail who are not worth a cent. Is public justice to be thus fraudulently eluded ? 1 should think not; but that, as soon as the magistrate discovers the imposition, he should cause the person charged, to be brought again before him, and hold him to give sufficient security. The magistrate must, of necessity, exercise this power. If the .books were entirely silent, I should not entertain a doubt on the subject; but the authority which has been read, is direct and clear as to this point.

The defendant to whom the warrant was directed, was not a constable, and was not, therefore, obliged to execute it; but he might execute it if he pleased, and if he did so, he is justified by it, for a justice of the peace has power to appoint a constable to execute his process, when there is none whose services he can require.

It has been urged, that the conduct of the magistrate was improper, was oppressive and malicious; if it was so, he is answerable in another form of action, not in this. If he had jurisdiction of the subject matter, and of the person, it is an answer to this suit; we have seen that he had both. The defendant’s motion must, therefore, prevail.

Plaintiff non-suited.