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V. Extracts from the Peking Gazettes, translated by John Francis Davis, Esq., 



M.R.A.S. 



Read December 1, 1827. 



I. Concerning Cases of Homicide. 



Leaou-tun-hing, inspector-general of Keang-nan province, presents an 

 address to point out the expediency of early inquests in cases of homicide. 



Amidst the great number and variety of imprisonments on criminal accu- 

 sations, the most important are those wliich relate to the privation of life. 

 Entering into a conspiracy to kill ; killing with malicious intention ; killing 

 in an affray ; causing death by driving a person to desperation ; and killing 

 by culpable negligence, constitute the real or proper cases. The cases of 

 false imprisonment for homicide are where wounds are inflicted after death, 

 to be made the grounds of a false accusation ; and where the body is con- 

 sumed or made away with for the same purpose. In all cases the most 

 speedy investigation is of great importance, since from the nature of the 

 wounds or hurts much evidence may be gathered witli respect to the inten- 

 tion or disposition of the person that inflicted them ; and from their old 

 or new appearance, an inference may be drawn regarding the truth or false- 

 hood of the accusation. Whenever the district magistrates met with a case 

 of homicide, did they, in every instance, proceed without delay to the 

 inquest of the body, while the wounds or hurts were yet fresh and un- 

 changed, they might with more ease and certainty elicit the truth ; at the 

 same time that the guilty persons, being confronted at once with the 

 magistrate before they had time to collect themselves, would be more 

 likely, through fright, to betray their offence. Hence it may be deduced, 

 that early inquests are the best key to the elucidation of homicides. But 

 tlie magistrates of districts, bearing on their shoulders the responsi- 

 biUty attached to such cases, appear always desirous to suppress 

 them. As soon as a report or accusation is made, they purposely contrive 

 delays, instead of proceeduig immediately in person to the inquest, or they 



