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4 Binn. 541

Addis v. Commonwealth

Supreme Court of Pennsylvania

Decided July 18, 1812

Supreme Court of Pennsylvania · decided 1812-07-18

In Error. Upon a writ of error to the Quarter Sessions of Philadelphia county, to remove an indictment and conviction of fornication and bastardy, the error assigned was in that part of the judgment, by which the defendant was ordered to pay a'weekly sum for the maintenance of his child, a daughter, till she attained the age of seven years.

Cited by 1 later decisions — most recently July 1898

1 state decisions

Good law ✅— No negative treatment on recordhow we know

Decided 1812-07-18

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"Tilghman C. J.

¶1The practice which has been mentioned is of no importance. The court which intro-

¶2duced it, has power to alter it. It was originally founded on their own discretion, and not on any positive law. The act of assembly leaves the period and the quantum of maintenance to the judgment of the court. It is not easy to see any good reason' for limiting the support of females to five years, while males are to be maintained until seven. It is probable that in different counties, different opinions have prevailed; but there can be no reason why the court of Philadelphia county should be confined to an opinion which they once entertained, but upon reflection have altered. We are of opinion that the judgment be affirmed.

¶3Judgment affirmed.

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