The History of Duelling. Vol. 2 (of 2)Millingen, J. G. (John Gideon)
Philosophy
The History of Duelling. Vol. 2 (of 2)
Millingen, J. G. (John Gideon)
Dueling
fellow-creatures; without any warrant or authority from any power,
either divine or human, but in direct contradiction to the laws both of
God and man; and therefore the law has justly fixed the crime and
punishment of murder on them, and on their seconds also.’
“My Lords, these are the highest authorities known to the law of
England, and they are uniformly followed by the English judges. The most
recent cases of this nature which have occurred within the last few
years, are those of Sir John Jeffcott,[8] and the parties concerned in
the death of Mr. Mirfin; and in these the doctrine I have stated to your
lordships was laid down and acted upon strictly. Such, then, being the
definition of murder constantly given from the bench on trials for life
and death, are not your lordships to suppose that the legislature has
made use of the word ‘murder’ in the same sense; and that when we find
in Lord Ellenborough’s Act, in the 9th of Geo. IV. and in this of the
1st of Victoria, the expression ‘with intent to commit murder,’ it means
with intent to do that which, if accomplished, would amount in law to
the crime of murder? The legislature, and your lordships as part of it,
must be taken to have well known what was the legal definition of
murder, and to have used the expression, in a judicial act, in its legal
sense. Then, my Lords, however painful the consideration may be, does it
not necessarily follow, that the first count of the indictment is
completely found? The circumstances clearly show that the Earl of
Cardigan and Captain Tuckett met by appointment. The arrangements being
completed, they fired twice; the Earl of Cardigan took deliberate aim,
fired, and wounded his antagonist. He must be supposed to have intended
that which he did. If, unfortunately, death had ensued, would not this
have been a case of murder? The only supposition by which the case could
be reduced to one of manslaughter would be, that the Earl of Cardigan
and Captain Tuckett met casually on Wimbledon Common; that they suddenly
quarreled; and that, whilst their blood was hot, they fought; but your
lordships will hardly strain the facts so far as to say that this was a
casual meeting, when you see that each party was accompanied by a
second, and supplied with a brace of pistols, and that the whole affair
was conducted according to the forms and solemnities observed when a
deliberate duel is fought.—With respect to the second and third counts,
I know not what defence can possibly be suggested; because, even if it
had been a casual meeting, and if death had ensued under circumstances
which would have amounted only to manslaughter, that would be no defence
to the second and third counts. I presume to assert that, on the
authority of a case which came before the fifteen judges of England, and
which was decided; two most learned judges doubting on the occasion, but
not dissenting from the decision. The two judges who doubted, were his
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account