§ MR. HEALYasked Mr. Attorney General for Ireland, On what authority it can be stated that the sentence passed upon Mrs. Fallon, by a magistrate who was playing lawn tennis with her prosecutor, was legal; whether it is the fact that the 14th and 15th Victoria, c. 93, section 8, sub-section 2, declares—
It shall not be lawful for any justice to hear and determine any case of summary jurisdiction outside of petty sessions, except cases of drunkenness or vagrancy, or for fraud in the sale of goods, or disputes at fairs or markets;if he will say whether the charge against Mrs. Fallon was trespass; if not, what it is; and, whether he will point out to the magistrate the inconvenience that might arise from justice being dealt out in the manner in question?
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. PORTER)in reply, said, that the section to which the hon. Gentleman referred was limited to cases of summary jurisdiction; but there was no reference whatever to the matter of the offence. The accused was charged with taking forcible possession. The case was returned for trial. He had no control over the magistrates, and no right to point out to them how they should act.
§ THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR IRELAND (Mr. PORTER)replied, that if the hon. Gentleman would give Notice he would inquire, for he did not know.
§ MR. HEALYsaid, he asked the Chief Secretary last week after plenty of Notice, but could get no information.