Читать книгу Studies in Civics - J. T. McCleary - Страница 27

Prefatory.—But it is better to prevent crime than to punish it. Indeed, one reason for punishing wrongdoers is that the fear of punishment may deter people from committing crime.

Proceedings.—As a conservator of the public peace, then, a justice may require persons to give bonds for good behavior. The preliminary proceedings are similar to those in the case of a trial—the complaint, warrant and return. But the complainant simply alleges upon oath, that a crime against his person or property has been threatened. The examination is conducted as in case of a criminal offense.

Result.—If upon examination there appears reason to fear that the crime will be committed by the party complained of, he shall be required to enter into recognizance to keep the peace, failing in which he shall be committed to jail for the time to be covered by the surety, said time not to exceed six months.