|
|
Proceedings before justices.
|
70. All offences committed within the limits of the police district which, under this or any other Act, are punishable on summary conviction before a justice or justices of the peace, may be heard and determined by any one or more of the said divisional justices sitting at one of the divisional offices, or at any place within such district where any such justice may be directed to attend, by warrant of the chief or under secretary, as herein-before provided, in a summary way, whether or not any information in writing shall have been exhibited or taken by or before such justices; and all such proceedings by summons, without information in writing, shall be as valid and effectual as if an information in writing had been first exhibited in that behalf: Provided always, that a note or memorandum in writing, according to a form to be approved by the chief or under secretary of the lord lieutenant shall be made and kept in the office, of the substance of every charge for which a summons or warrant shall be issued: Provided also, that the justice, if he shall think fit, may require an information in writing to be laid, in every case in which it shall seem to him to be expedient, before the matter of the complaint or charge shall be brought before him; and the justice shall examine into the matter of every complaint or charge brought before him; and if upon the confession of the party accused, or on the oath of any one or more witnesses, the party accused shall be convicted of having committed the offence charged or complained of, the party so convicted shall pay such penalty as to the justice shall seem fit, not more than the greatest penalty made payable in respect of such offence, together with the costs of conviction, to be ascertained by such justice.
|
