CO129-276 - Governor Sir Robinson - 1897 [6-8] — Page 332

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ENCLOSURE 2.

331

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MEMORANDUM ON THE RECENT BRIBERY CASEĘGBP 17)

MR. GOODMAN, (ATTORNEY GENERAL).

1. In dealing with the various charges of

bribery arising out of the discoveries made in connection

with the recent raid upon the Wa Lane Gambling house, the

head quarters of which were at East Street, where the incri-

minating documents were actually found, the following points

may well be borne in mind:-

2. The receipt of bribes may be actually a

criminal offence or merely gross misconduct.

Russell on Crimes (6th. edn.)p 443 defines

bribery as follows:-

"Bribery is the receiving or offering any undre

reward by or to any person whatsoever whose ordinary profes-

sion or business relates to the administration of public

justice, in order to influence his behaviour in office and h-

cline him to act contrary to the known rules of honesty and

integrity".

3.It appears clear, therefore, that bribes

received by members of the Police force to induce them to

refrain from the performance of their duty with regard to

the laws in force in this Colony on the subject of gaming

houses,come within the scope of criminal law.

4. But, to enforce the Criminal law it is ne-

cessary to obtain the legal evidence requisite to satisfy

the jury beyond all reasonable doubt, and in cases of bribery