Libels and governance a critique of political myths
The writer argues that political principles based on rationalist assumptions fail in practice as history shows poor nations win wars and property does not shield rulers. Parliaments are not immune to self interest, and universal taxation and public works depend on force and incentives. The piece critiques liberal dogma and laments vague libel law, urging reforms for press liberty and jury power on damages.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Nmony
Aristotle
Plato
Grotius
Pufendorf
Jowett Corporation
Famé
Fame Arts
England
Court of Star Chamber
Court of King’s Bench
Fox
Hamington v Brown Arrest for debt deemed abusive practice
The case argues arrest for a small debt 12s 1d as improper and oppressive, claiming the action served to oppress debtors or secure debt. The plaintiff’s counsel notes that bail or jail risks arise if opposing claims exist, with the action only covering costs of arrest. Verdi represents the plaintiff.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Verdi
Bankrupt Watson’s Mother In Law Wins Hasty Transfer Case
In London before Lord Kenyon on June 22, assignees of J Watson sued Mrs. Watkins his mother-in-law to recover 117 pounds 12 shillings alleged as stock diverted to her. Watson, a linen-draper, had bankrupt assets 18,000 pounds over a year and a half. He conveyed stock to Watkins falsely, continued business, and was jailed for two months. Court ruled the conveyance fraudulent and a bankruptcy act. verdict for plaintiffs 116 pounds 2 shillings.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Watson
Watkins
J. Watson
John Watson
Fleet-market
Fale
Lord Kenyon
York Burnoisers Company
George-nnvis
Adelphi
York Buildings Company
York Buildiings Company
Rey asignee of Gatti and Waller Bankrupts 1784 fraud case
The case concerns the assignee Rey accused of defrauding creditors by seizing bankrupts assets for himself. In May 1784 creditors agreed to equal division but on May 17 the defendant leased assets, sold them for 875 pounds, deducting from a 27900 pound debt, and offered to join the rest for the remainder. Verdict for the plaintiffs 8751.
Hop loss case against carrier over rain damage
A Sussex hop merchant sued a common carrier after hops valued at 7 pounds were damaged by rain due to an uncovered cart. Collet, a factor for the plaintiff, offered to accept the loss for the carrier’s negligence, which was refused. The jury awarded 7 pounds and ordered sale of the hops to apply the proceeds to satisfy the claim.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Sussex
Collet
Houghtonv Butler and Another Gates Valued at One Shilling
The action seeks value for iron gates torn down by the defendants valued at 1 pound 10 shillings. The court allowed the defendants option to pay the sum or pay one shilling damages and replace the gates.
Money Lent Case at Westminster Court
A lawsuit before Lord Kenyon at Westminster concerns a debt from Rutledge to Watkus, via Mrs Jones, with disputes over who owed the sum and who lent it. The jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff for 40 shillings after summing up the facts and witness testimonies.
Pattrot v Holmes at the Adelphi Wharf Tax Dispute
The Plaintiff sues the Defendant over walking access to his wharf at the Adelphi claiming damages for nonpayment of taxes and interference. The defendant allegedly used his wife and children to relocate to the Thames to dodge taxes and kept a barge on the Plaintiff’s wharf with pigs that hampered landings. The case notes a curious detail in the argument.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Adelphi
Thames
Removal of Voltaire remains stirs national assembly decree effects
A Romilly mayor reports a dramatic removal of Voltaire’s remains after a National Assembly decree. Clergy and guards escorted the relics to Romilly, crowds cheered, a funeral vigil and inspection followed, with a temporary mausoleum prepared and a service held to honor the Patriot Philosopher.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Voltaire
Favreaux
Romilly
Nongent-sur-Seine
National Assembly
Troyes
Aube
Selliers
Market Prices and Rescue at Newhaven Fishing Incident
This morning in Scotland strawberries sold at 4s per pint, green peas 4s per peck, and new potatoes 8s. A gale driven fishing boat from Newhaven capsized, three men rescued after about a quarter hour in the water, one apparently dead but revived by rescuers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Eprosurcu
Fane
Newhaven
Also Mentioned on This Page
THE
Evening Mail
Hamington
LAW Report
Guildhall
London
Loxro Kenyon
Dunkev
Goldsmith
Westminster
Warxys
V. Routledge
Mrs. Jones
Mr. Watkus
Watkys
Pattrot v. Holmes
Scotland
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