Bill v. Scott

Decided August 15, 1786

Connecticut Superior Court · decided 1786-08-15

Eeeoe from tbe judgment of a justice of tbe peace. Scott brought bis action qui tam, .against Bill, for an assault and battery, demanding damage £4. Tbe justice rendered judg-meat for the plaintiff, which was recorded in these words: “ Watertown, January 28th, 1786.

And without argument, the judgment of the justice was… · Decided 1786-08-15

By the whole Court.

¶1The complainant who prosecuted, as well for his own damages as for a breach of the peace, was admitted as a witness in the case — which was illegal.

¶2And it doth not appear from the record, that the defendant was found guilty, though he was adjudged to pay damages and costs.

¶3The defendant was bound to his good behavior, without *64day, or reference to any court: "Whereas, a justice of the peace can bind, in such case, only to the next Court of Common Pleas, leaving it to the discretion of that court to continue or discharge the bonds.