Show LENIENT TO THE OFFENDER baron martin old time english jurist let thief fix his own punishment judges were very considerate in ia the old days lord brampton in hla his reminiscences relates a story illustrating this baron martin a famous english jurist of the old school whose native leniency and sense of fun often placed him at the mercy of the vory very men he was trying was once about to sentence an old offender charged v ith a petty theft look said the baron with an assumption of 0 severity 1 I hardly know what to do but you can take six months 1 I cant take that my lord its too much said the prisoner respectfully but firmly 1 I cant take it your lordship sees I 1 steal very much after all the baron indulged in one of his low chuckling laughs before replying well verra true ye steal much he said well then yo ye can tak four months will that do four mouths months nay my lord but I 1 cant take that either was the reply then tak three nearer the mark my lord the prisoner said approvingly but id fd rather you made it two it if you will be so kind verra well then tak two said the judge with the air of one who Is pleased to have done the right thing at last and mind dont come again if you do ill give ye well it all depends |