Nagle v. Brown
Nagle v. Brown
Opinion of the Court
It is not unlawful, in this State, to travel upon public highways, for pleasure merely, upon the Sabbath day. The due and legal observance of the Sabbath day is regulated by statute. Act of March 30, 1864, Swan & Saylor, 289. In addition to “ common labor (works of necessity and charity only excepted), the statute makes it unlawful for any person of fourteen years or upward to be found on the first day of the week, commonly called Sunday, sporting, rioting, quarreling, hunting, fishing or shooting.” Beyond these inhibitions the observance of the day is left to the conscience and religious convictions of the citizen; and in our judgment the innocent and healthfirl exercise of riding or driving is not within the meaning of the terms of inhibition. The only possible doubt is as to the meaning of the word “ sporting;” but, whatever may be included within the meaning of that word, we do not believe that the legislature intended to inhibit the quiet, peaceful and invigorating exercise of either walking or riding upon the Sabbath day, although no urgent necessity or charity may prompt the exercise.
By the act of April 15, 1857 (S. & S. 880), it is declared that “ the obstructing or incumbering by fences, buildings,
We also think that the jury were justified in finding that the plaintiff below did not contribute to his injury by his own negligence.
Judgment affirmed.
Reference
- Full Case Name
- George Nagle v. William Brown
- Status
- Published