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10th-14th, 17th July] \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14036839 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14036839 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 Criminal Jurisdiction \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14036839 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 Criminal law}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2506759 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 -}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2506759 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 trial}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2506759 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 -}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2506759 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 submission of no case to answer}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2506759 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 -}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2506759 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 principles applicable}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2506759 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 -}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2506759 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 mere scintilla or worthless evidence insufficient}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2506759 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 -}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2506759 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 question whether manslaughter verdict appropriate on ground of excessive force in self defence considered}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2506759 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 -}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2506759 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 Penal Code (Cap. 11) ss.}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 17, 228(1)-Indian Penal Code, s.}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2506759 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 300}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2506759 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 -}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2506759 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 Tanganyika Penal Code, s.18. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4063658\charrsid14036839 Criminal law}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2506759 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4063658\charrsid14036839 -}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2506759 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4063658\charrsid14036839 principles of criminal liability}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2506759 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4063658\charrsid14036839 -}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2506759 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4063658\charrsid14036839 whether appropriate to base conviction of manslaughter on ground of use of excessive force in self, defence}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2506759 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4063658\charrsid14036839 -}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2506759 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4063658\charrsid14036839 authorities considered-Penal Code (Cap. 11) s.}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2506759 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4063658\charrsid14036839 17. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4063658\charrsid4671138 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4063658\charrsid14036839 Criminal law}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2506759 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4063658\charrsid14036839 -}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2506759 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4063658\charrsid14036839 evidence and proof-submission of no case to answer}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2506759 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4063658\charrsid14036839 -}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2506759 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4063658\charrsid14036839 principles applicable. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4063658\charrsid14036839 The decision whether at the conclusion of the case for the Crown there is a case for an accused person to answer, should depend not so much on whether the court would at that stag e convict or acquit as on whether the evidence is such that a reasonable tribunal, properly directing its mind to the law and the evidence, could or might }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15600061 c}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4063658\charrsid14036839 onvict on the evidence so far laid before it. A mere scintilla of evidence can never be enough nor can any amount of worthless discredited evidence. \par \par Authorities on the question whether in Fiji in appropriate circumstances the offence of murder may be reduced to that of manslaughter on the grounds of excessive force used in self defence, considered. \par \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 Per curiam}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 : In view of section 17 of the Penal Code (which provides that, subject to any provisions of law in operation in Fiji, criminal responsibility for the use of force in the defence of person or property shall be determined according to the principles of English common law) and bearing in mind that the Privy Council, is not the repository o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4063658\charrsid14036839 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 English common law, the decision of the Privy Council in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 R. v. Palmer}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 [1971] A.C. 814; 55 Cr. App. R.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15600061 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 223, though of the highest persuasive authority, may not be binding in Fiji. In any event that case }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15600061 does not go far as to lay down }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 that assessors must}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4063658\charrsid14036839 not be directed that, if they }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 consider that excessive force was used in self defence they should return a verdict of manslaughter, where such a direction is warranted on the facts and in the interests of justice. \par \par Other cases referred to}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4063658\charrsid14036839 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4063658\charrsid14036839 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 Armah v. Government of Ghana}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 [1968] }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4063658\charrsid14036839 A.C. 192; [1966] 3 All E.R.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4063658\charrsid14036839 177. \par \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 Ramanlal Trambaklal Bhatt v. Reg.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 [1957] E.A. 332. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4063658\charrsid14036839 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 R. v. Wheeler}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4063658\charrsid14036839 [1967] 1 W.L.R. 1531}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 ;}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4063658\charrsid14036839 [}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 1967] 3 All E.R. 829. \par \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2389481\charrsid14036839 R. v. White}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2389481\charrsid14036839 (1924) 17 Cr. App. R.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15600061 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2389481\charrsid14036839 60.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2389481\charrsid14036839 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2389481\charrsid14036839 R}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2389481\charrsid10561346 . v. Harris}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2389481\charrsid10561346 (1925) 18 Cr. App. R.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15600061 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2389481\charrsid10561346 26. \par \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2389481\charrsid10561346 R. v.}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid16217147 }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2389481\charrsid10561346 Golder}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2389481\charrsid10561346 (1961) 45 Cr. App. R.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15600061 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2389481\charrsid10561346 5; [1960] 3 All E.R. 457. \par \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2389481\charrsid10561346 R. v. Cook}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2389481\charrsid10561346 (1640) 79 E.R. 1063; Cro. Car. 537. \par \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2389481\charrsid10561346 R. v. Scully}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2389481\charrsid10561346 (1824) 171 E.R. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14036839\charrsid10561346 1213; 1 Car. and P.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15600061 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14036839\charrsid10561346 319.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2389481\charrsid10561346 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14036839\charrsid10561346 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14036839\charrsid15669487 R. v. Whalley}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14036839\charrsid10561346 (1835) 173 E.R. 108; 7 Car. and P.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14036839\charrsid10561346 245. \par \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14036839\charrsid15669487 R. v. Patience}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 (1837) 173 E.R. 338; 7 C}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14036839\charrsid10561346 ar. and P.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14036839\charrsid10561346 775. \par \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14036839\charrsid15669487 R. v. Smith}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14036839\charrsid10561346 (1837)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1453675\charrsid10561346 173 E.R. 441; 8 Car. and P.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1453675\charrsid10561346 160.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14036839\charrsid10561346 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid14036839 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10561346\charrsid15669487 R. v. Bull}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10561346 (1839) 173 E.R. 723; 9 Car. and P.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10561346 22. \par \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10561346\charrsid15669487 R. v. Odgers}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10561346 (1843) 174}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15600061 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10561346 E.R. 355; 2 M. and Rob. 479. \par \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10561346\charrsid15669487 R. v. Allen}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10561346 (1867) 17 L.T. 222. \par \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10561346\charrsid15669487 R. v. Weston}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10561346 (1879) 14 Cox C.C.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10561346 346. \par \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10561346\charrsid15669487 R. v. }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid269851\charrsid15669487 Symondson}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid269851 (1896) 16 J.P.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15600061 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid269851 645.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10561346 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid269851 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid269851\charrsid15669487 R. v. Biggin}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid269851 [1920] 1 K.B. 213; 14 Cr. App. R.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15600061 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid269851 87. \par \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid269851\charrsid15669487 R. v. Richardson}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid269851 [1971] 2 Q.B. 484; 55 Cr. App. R.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15600061 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid269851 244. \par \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid269851\charrsid15669487 R. v. Davies}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid269851 [1971] Crim. L.R.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15600061 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid269851 650. \par \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid269851\charrsid15669487 R. v. Cheng Wai-Ting Hong}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid269851 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15669487 Hong }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid269851 Kong 1963. \par \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid269851\charrsid15669487 R. v. Tsang Wah Hong}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid269851 Hong Kong June 1963. \par \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid269851\charrsid15669487 R. v. Ngoilale}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid269851 (1951) 18 E.A.C.A. 164. \par \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid269851\charrsid15669487 R. v. Shauski}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid269851 (1951) 18 E.A.C.A. 198. \par \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2841721\charrsid15669487 R. v. Hau}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2841721 (1954) 21 E.A.C.A. 276.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid269851 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2841721 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2841721\charrsid15669487 R. v. Yozefu Engichu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2841721 (1954) 21 E.A.C.A. 294. \par \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2841721\charrsid15669487 R. v. McKay}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2841721 [1957] V.R. 560. \par \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2841721\charrsid15669487 R. v. Howe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2841721 (1958) 100 C.L.R. 448. \par \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2841721\charrsid15669487 R. v. McInnes}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2841721 [1971] 1 W.L.R. 1600; (1971) 55 Cr. App. R.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4268346 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2841721 223. \par \par Ruling on submission of no case to answer at the trial in the Supreme Court of an indictment for murder. \par \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2841721\charrsid15669487 R. v. Davies}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2841721 for the Crown. \par \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2841721\charrsid15669487 F.M.K. Shereani}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2841721 for the ac}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15669487 cu}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2841721 sed. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2841721 The facts sufficiently appear from the ruling. \par \par 17}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\super\langnp2057\insrsid2841721\charrsid2841721 th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2841721 July 1972 \par \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15669487\charrsid15669487 GRANT J.:}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2841721 \par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15669487 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15669487\charrsid15669487 The accused}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15669487 is charged with Murder contrary to section 228(1) of the Penal Code.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid15669487\charrsid15669487 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10561346\charrsid10561346 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 Counsel for the accused has submitted at the close of the case for the prosecution that the evidence is not sufficient to put the accused upon his defence, that is to say that the prosecution has failed to make out a}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1453675 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 prima facie case and that there is accordingly no case for the accused to answer. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1453675 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 When so eminent a jurist as Lord Reid, then senior Lord of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1453675 Appeal in Ordinary, has stated }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1453675 I do not know what}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 prima facie}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1453675 means}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 (}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid1453675 Armah v. Government of Ghana and Anr.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 House of Lords (1966) The Times July 13), it will be apparent that the determination of whether or not a prima facie case has been made out is not without difficulty. However I propose to be guided by the pronouncement s of the Court of Appeal for Eastern Africa in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid1453675 Ramanlal Trambaklal Bhatt v. Reg.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 [1957] E.A. 332, and by the Practice Note of the former Chief Justice of England Lord Parker at [1962] 1 All E.R. 448; from which it seems clear that the decision as to whethe r or not there is a case to answer should depend not so much on whether the adjudicating tribunal would at that stage convict or acquit but on whether the evide}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1453675 n}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 ce is such that a reasonable tribunal proper}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4268346 l}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 y directing its mind to the law and the evidence c ould or might convict on the evidence so far laid before it. In other words, at the close of the prosecution case the Court should adopt an objective test as distinct from the ultimate subjective test to be adopted at the close of the trial. But the quest ion does not depend solely on whether there is some evidence irrespective of its credibility or weight sufficient to put the accused on his defence. A mere scintilla of evidence can never be enough nor can any amount of worthless discredited evidence. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1453675 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 The prosecution has established that on the 5th day of March 1972 at Vuci, Nausori, Bhawan Prasad s/o Jagar Nath sustained a wound to the right upper half of his abdomen which penetrated internally to a depth of 4/1/2 inches resulting in his death, which woun d could have been caused by a knife with a thin blade penetrating to that depth; but before a charge of murder can be made out the prosecution must prove that the accused unlawfully and voluntarily inflicted this wound and must disprove, as an essential pa rt of its case, that the death of the deceased was caused by accident or by the accused acting in self}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 defence (} {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid1453675 R. v. Wheeler}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 [1967] 1 W.L.R. 1531). \par \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1453675 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1453675 The prosecution}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1453675\charrsid14036839 called three purported eye witnesses of the incident during which the deceased came by the wound which caused his death, namely }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4268346 Surendra Prasad (P.W.7), Karan }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1453675\charrsid14036839 Singh (P.W.12) and Uday}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4268346 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1453675\charrsid14036839 Prakash (P.W.9). \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14036839 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1453675\charrsid14036839 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 Surendra Prasad claimed that an account by Uday Prakash of an encounter with the accused earlier that evening, and which was intimately linked wit h the incident giving rise to the death of the deceased, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1453675 was untrue. He admitted that he}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 had told lies when testifying in the Magistrate}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 s Court, and that he had told lies to}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1453675 the police in his police state}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 ment (Ex. A) on vital issues. It transpired that at the time of the incident he did not see a knife in the accused}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 s hand, did not see the deceased struck with a knife nor anything to account for the deceased retreating, did not see the accused attack Karan Singh and did not see Karan Singh struck with a knife. \par \par He was utterly discredited and no reliance can be placed on his testimony. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1453675 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 As to Karan Singh, he also told lies when testifying in the Magistrate}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 s Court, by categorically denying that there had been an earlier encounter with the accused that evening. He repeated this falsehood on oath in this Court before admitting under cross}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 examination that there had}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1453675 been an earlier encounter and that he had made a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 mistake}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 . It was not a mistake. It was a deliberate attempt to mislead the lower Court and this C ourt. It transpired that at the time of the incident he had gone ahead of the accused and the deceased and did not see the deceased struck by anything or anyone. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1453675 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 He was utterly discredited and no reli}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1453675 ance can be placed on his testi}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 mony. In coming to this conclusion I have not overlooked the scratch mark on the left side of his abdomen as described by Dr. Parmar (P.W.3) or the small tear in his singlet (Ex. 7) bu}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1453675 t I do not consider these suffi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 cient corroboration of any part of his testimony as to make it reliable. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1453675 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 As to Uday Prakash, on the application of the prosecution he }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2229251 was declared a hostile witness }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 and a previous inconsistent statement (Ex. 10) which he had made to the police and which contained matters most material to the prosecution case and on which the prosecution had placed}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1453675 considerable emphasis was}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 put in evidence for the purpose of discrediting his testimony. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1453675 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 Uday Prakash claimed that where his police statement differed from his evidence it had been fabricated by the police. The two police officers responsible for recording the statement, Detective Sergeant Yad Ram (P.W. 10) and Police Consta ble 579 John Mohammed (P.W. 11), gave conflicting and irreconcilable versions of the circumstances surrounding the taking of the statement and their evidence was manifestly unreliable. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9716257 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 The usual effect of declaring a witness hostile is to render the evidence of that witness negligible (e.g. }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid9716257 R. v. White}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 17 Cr. App. R.60; }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid9716257 R. v. Birch}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 18 Cr. App. R.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2229251 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 26; }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid9716257 R. v. Harris}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 20 Cr. App. R.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2229251 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 144; and }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid9716257 R. v. Golder & Ors}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 . 45 Cr.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9716257 App. R.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2229251 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9716257 5)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 ; but in this case the position is uncommon (and one can only hope that i}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9716257 t will remain so) in that the }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 hostile}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 witness was clearly more worthy of belief than the police officers; resulting in the prosecution being placed in the singular and unenviable position, after having put to Uday Prakash that his testimony was not true, of virtually inviting the Court to give credence to his testimony. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2229251 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 I have concluded that it is open to the Court, in spite of his being declared hostile, to consider his evidence on the basis that he was an honest witness and I have done so. Regarding th e incident in question his evidence was that when he and the accused and another youth called Suresh Chand were walking home along Vuci Road in the early hours of the morning he passed a group of youths, among whom was Karan Singh, when about one chain aw ay from the entrance to a feeder road leading to the accused}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 s house, at which time he was walking ahead of the accused. When he had reached a point three or four yards beyond the entrance to the feeder road he heard a noise as if someone was kicking gravel, and he testified. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9716257 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9716257 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 I turned around and stood there. It is because I heard the noise that I turned round. I just took one more step turned round and stood there. I saw boys were crowded up there. I did not notice which side the accused was because it was some distance away from me and I could not see clearly. When I turned round I did not see the accused. I saw the boys had crowded up. I went closer to them. When I went near I saw one boy}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 s chest was bleeding. He was about two paces away from me. The accu sed was about four paces away from him. The boy who was bleeding had both hands on his chest and was retreating. The accused was doing nothing. He was standing there and another boy was standing in front of him. I could see the accused}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 s hands. He had nothing in his hands. I say that I could see that he had nothing in his hands. The boy who was }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9716257 bleeding said }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9716257 Look he has hit }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 me with a pen knife}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 . After that the accused told Suresh to go and call uncle. The boys in the other group were picking up stones. I do not know why. The accused said to Suresh }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 Go and call uncle these boys are hitting me with stones.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 The accused did not say anything to the boys picking up stones. Suresh did not go. At the time they had picked the stones the accused had moved back and s tood there. Not for very long as a taxi came. The boys from the other group stopped the taxi. They loaded the injured boy into the taxi and the boys went away. Then I went }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9716257 home and the accused went home.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14036839 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9716257 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 I have compared this evidence with the accused}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 s v ersion of events and can find no inherent conflict. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9716257 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 This leaves the prosecution with the accused}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 s version of events as obtained from him by the police in an interview under caution at 5.10 a.m. the same morning and in his reply under caution (Ex. 12/13), when charged wit}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9716257 h murder only ten minutes after}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 the interview concluded. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9716257 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 The interview with the accused took the form of questions and answers. The accused who was not obliged to reply to, the questions did so voluntarily, and his version of events, nece ssarily limited as it was to answers to specific questions, when put into narrative form is that while he and Uday Prakash and Suresh Chand were walking home after 2 a.m. on the morning in question he had reached the entrance to the feeder road leading to his house when an Indian youth swung a dagger at him which touched his hand and another youth hit him with his fist. The accused kicked the Indian youth on the hand and the dagger fell to the ground whereupon the accused picked it up and was running towar ds his house wh}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9716257 en the Indian youth jumped on h}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 im and the dagger cam}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9716257 e into contact with the Indian }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 youth. The accused was not injured and after the incident left the dagger on the road. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9716257 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 When charged ten minutes later the accused replied }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 He hit me first and then I hit him with dagger and other statement I already gave it all that is true.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 \par \par I place no signi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9716257 ficance on the use of the word }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 dag}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9716257 ger}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9716257 by the accused when the de}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 c}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9716257 e}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 ased apparently used the}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9716257 word }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9716257 pen knife}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9716257 as verbal dis}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 tinctions between various types of knives are not generally appreciated in Fiji. The knife in question, in any event, has never been found. \par \par At 7.20 a.m. the same morning the accused was examined by Dr. Parmar who found a slight abrasion to his left index finger, which so far as it goes, is consistent with the accused}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 s contention that when the Indian youth swung the dagger at him it touched his hand. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9716257 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 On the version of events put forward by the accused when interviewed by the police, he is not guilty of any offence. I have given careful thought to the fact that when he then voluntarily replied to the charge the accused used the phrase }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 then I hit him with dagger}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 , but in its context I consider this no more than a mere scintilla of evidence insufficient to put the accused on his defence e ven on a charge of manslaughter. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9716257 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 I might add that I have taken the opportunity of considering whether in Fiji in appropriate circumstances the offence of }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid9716257 murder may be }{\field\fldedit{\*\fldinst {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid9716257 HYPERLINK http://reduced.to }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13139014\charrsid9716257 {\*\datafield 00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000003000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b2600000068007400740070003a002f002f0072006500640075006300650064002e0074006f002f0000000000}} }{\fldrslt {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9716257\charrsid9716257 reduced}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid9716257 to}}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid9716257 the}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 offence of manslaughter on the grounds of excessive force used in self}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 -}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 defence. \par \par Section 17 of the Penal Code provides that subject to any express provisions }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9716257 therein or any o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 ther law in operation in Fiji, criminal responsibility for the use of force in the defence of person or property shall be determined according to the principles of English common law. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8008807 There are no express provisions}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 in the Penal Code nor is there any other law in operation in Fiji governing the position and consequently one turns to the English common law.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 I have examined various early English authorities, including }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid9716257 R. v. Cook}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 (1640) 79 E.R. 1063 at 1064; }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid9716257 R. v. Scully}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 (1824) 171 E.R. 12}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9716257 13; }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9716257\charrsid9716257 R. v. Whal}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid9716257 ley}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 (1835) 173 E.R. 108 at 110; }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8008807 R. v.}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid6058928 Patience}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 (1837) 173 E.R. 338;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6058928 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid6058928 R. v. Smith}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 (1837) 173 E.R. 441 at 442 et seq.; }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid6058928 R. v. Bull}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 (1839)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 173 EA. 723; }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid6058928 R. v. Odgers}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 (1843) 174 E.R. 355 at 356; }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid6058928 R. v. Allen}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 (1867) 17 L.T. 222 at 225; }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid6058928 R. v. Weston}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6058928 (}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 1879) 14 Cox C.C. 346 at 351; }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid8008807 R.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 v. }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid6058928 Symondson}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 (1896) 60 J.P. 645 at 646 and }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid6058928 R. v. Biggin}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 [1920] 1 K.B. 213 at 219. While the ratio decidendi of a number of these cases is somewhat obscure and while several of them probably turn on provocation (e.g}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid6058928 . R. v. Allen}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 ), there is no doubt to my mind that they recognise (in the cases of }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid6058928 R. v. Bull}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 and }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid6058928 R. v. Scully}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 by the prosecution indicting the accused for manslaughter only) that murder may be reduced to manslaughter where an accused}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6058928 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 has used more force than was necessary to defend himself, even although some of the constituents of self}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 -}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 defence or provocation may be absent. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6058928 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 That the Judges of the Queen}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 s Bench Division in England (who are the repositories of the common law }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6058928 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid6058928 R. v. Richardson}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8008807 [1971] 55 Cr. App. R. }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 244 at 250) continued to adopt the same approach is evident from }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid6058928 R. v. Davies}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 , referred to at [1971] Crim. L.R. p.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8008807 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 650, in which at Bedford Assizes in January 1965 Mr. Justice Stable in a murder trial where self}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6058928 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 defence was raised directed the jury: \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6058928 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6058928 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 The law is this, that if in that situation he does kill the assailant and the jury come to the conclusion that his resistan}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid8008807 ce was reason}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 ably commensurate to the peril which he encountered, then he is entitled to be acquitted. He has not committed a crime at all. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14036839 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6058928 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6058928 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 There is a sort of halfway house members of the jury, and that is this. In a case where t}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6058928 he jury come to the conclusion }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 Well he was entitled to defend himself, he had to defend himself, but we are satisfied that in defending himself he went further than was rea}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6058928 sonably necessary,}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6058928 n the jury is entitled to say: }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 Well, we are not going to acquit him because we think that he went far beyond what was reasonable in the circumstances, but we are going to acquit him of murder }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6058928 and convict him of manslaughter}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6058928 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14036839 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6058928 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 On appeal (No. 364/65 July 30, 1965) the Court of Criminal Appeal in dismissing the appeal said}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6058928 :}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6058928 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6058928 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 It is only right to say that the summing}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 up in the opinion of this court does put the defence of self}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 defence accu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6058928 rately, clearly and completely.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14036839 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6058928 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 The same approach has been followed in other territories to which the principles of English common law apply. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6058928 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 I clearly recall a case in Hong Kong in 1963 (}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid6058928 R. v. Cheng Wai}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid6058928 -}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid6058928 Ting}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 ) where the trial Judge (now the Chief Justice) after dealing with the law of provocation and of self}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 defence in his summing up went on to instruct the jury that if a person kills another by }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11298300 using; more force than is neces}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 sary to defend himself, or enters into a contest with an unarmed man when he himself is armed with a deadly weapon not intending to use it, but subsequently uses it in the heat of passion in consequence of an attack upon him, this amounts to manslaughter. And in a number of cases in Hong Kong (e.g. }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid6058928 R. v. Tsang Wah,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 June 1963) the Crown reduced charges of murder to manslaughter on this basis. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6058928 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 Turning to East Africa in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid6058928 R. v. Ngoilale s/o Lenjaro}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 (1951) 18 E.A.C.A. 164 et seq. the judgment of the Court of Appeal for Eastern Africa}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6058928 , after reciting the facts, p}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 r}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6058928 oceeded}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 : \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6058928 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6058928 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 On these facts, whilst the learned Judge recognised that an element of provocation was present, he came to the conclusion that the appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 s mode of retaliation was entirely disproportionate to the provocation offered. He thought also that a mere push was unlikely to have deprived the appellant of his power of self}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 control. We are not so satisfied, however, that the learned Judge appreciated fully that in the circumstances under which the appellant drew his knife there was also definitely an element of self}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 defence, or that if he did have this in mind, and there are passages both in the notes of his summing}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 up to the assessors as well as in the judgment which suggest that he did, that he suffic iently realised, that although the appellant may have gone beyond what in fact was required to defend his person against assault, that fact would not inevitably make his offence murder. If a man acting in good faith exceeds the power given him by law to d efend himself and kills his assailant, the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6058928 resultant homicide whilst not}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 justifiable may yet be excusable, so that his offence can be regarded as manslaughter and not murder. We believe that }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6058928 this aspect of the doctrine of }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6058928\charrsid6058928 se et sua defendendo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 is sometimes overlooked in these territories, probably because the draftsmen of the Penal Codes operating in East Africa did not see fit to include in the chapter }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 Offences against the person}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 a section similar to the second exception to section 300 of the Indian}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid6058928 Penal Code which is as follows}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 : }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14036839 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid2954432 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 Culpable homicide is not murder if the offender in the exercise in good faith of the right of p}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 rivate defence of person or pro}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 perty exceeds the power given to him by law and causes the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 death of the person against whom he is exercising such right of defence without premiditation, and without any intention of doing more harm than is necessary f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 or th}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid7808470 e purpose of such defence.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14036839 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 The draftsmen did, however, include a section, which in Tanganyika is section 18 of the Code,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1855350 which under the marginal head }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 Defence of pe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 rson or property}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 is as follows}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 :}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2954432 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 Subject to any express provisions in the Code, or any other law in operation }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1855350 in}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 the Territory, criminal }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432\charrsid14036839 responsibility}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 for the use of force in the defence of pe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 rson or property shall be deter}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid1855350 mined according}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 to}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 the principles of English law.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14036839 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 This, in our view, is, another way of stating the exception to section 300 of the Indian Penal Code because we regard that prov}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 ision in the Indian Penal Code}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 as an accurate codification of English common law principles. See for example Russell on Crime (ninth edition at page 504) where the learned author under Part IV deals with excusabl}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 e and justifiable homicide and }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 in particular the passage at page 507 where a cit}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 ation is given from I. Hale 453:}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2954432 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 If A challenges B to fight and B declines the challenge, but lets A know that he will not be beaten, but will defend himself;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 V and then B going about his business and wearing his sword,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 is assaulted by A and killed, this is murder in A. But if B had killed A upon that assault it had been }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid2954432 se defendendo}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid2954432 ,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 if he could not otherwise have escaped; or bare manslaughter if he}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 could have escaped and did not}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14036839 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 The penultimate an}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 d preceding sentences of the jud}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 gment re} {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 ad}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2954432 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 The sentence of death is set aside and a sentence of imprisonment substituted. Whilst we are prepared to concede in the appellant}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 s favour that his only intention was to defend himself the use of his knife in the way he used it against his unarmed assailant did go beyond what was necessary and calls for punishment.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14036839 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid1855350 In}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid2954432 R. v. Shaushi s/o Miya}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 (1951) 18 E.A.C.A. 198 at 200, after citing }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid10910455 R. v. Ngoilale s/o Lenjaro }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 (supra) the judgment continued}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid2954432 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 In addition to the authorities for this proposition cited in that judgment, we may refer to the direction to the jury given by Bosanquet, J., in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid2954432 Rex v. Smith}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 (1837),}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 8 C. and P., 160, at page 162:-}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14036839 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid2954432 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 Did the prisoner enter into a contest with an unarmed ma n, intending to avail himself of a deadly weapon? If he did it will amount to murder. But if he did not enter into the contest with the intention of using it, then the question will be, did he use it in the heat of passion, in consequence of an attack upo n him? If h}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 e did, it will be manslaughter.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14036839 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid4347036 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 No doubt this element of self}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 defence may and, in most cases will in practice, merge into the element}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 of provocation, and it matters}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 little whether the circumstances relied on are regarded as acts done in excess of the right of self}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 -}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 defence of person or property or as acts}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 done under the stress of provocation. The essence of the crime of murder is malice aforethought and if the circumstances show that the fatal blow was given in the heat of passion on a sudden att ack or threat of attack which is near enough and serious enough to cause loss of control, then the inference of malice is rebutted and the offence will be manslaught}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4347036 er.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2954432 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432\charrsid14036839 I would refer also to }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432\charrsid10910455 R. v. Hau s/o A}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4347036 k}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432\charrsid10910455 onaay}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432\charrsid14036839 (1954) 21 E.A.C.A. 276 citing R. v. Shaushi s/o Miya (supra); and }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432\charrsid10910455 R. v. Yozefu Engichu}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 (1954) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432\charrsid14036839 21 E.A.C.A. 294 et seq., which was a case where the accused after being slapped twice and kicked once by a drunken man drew a long-bladed pocket knife which was in his pocket and subsequently struck hi s assailant twice with the knife causing his death. The judgment of the Court of Appeal reads \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14036839 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2954432 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10910455 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 The learned trial Judge considered that the accused had taken an unfair advantage of a drunken man, and found that the use of the knife was deliberate and not due to any }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10910455 loss of control. He also said:-}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14036839 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10910455 \par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid10910455 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 There might be cases where two first blows and a kick could be held to amount to provocation but in this case it is beyond consideration: I do not think the accused was in the least goaded to anger and sudden retaliation. He was as ready to f}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10910455 ight as was Edipu but each blow}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 from Edipu by fist or foot was to be answere}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10910455 d not in kind but with a knife.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14036839 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10910455 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3544139 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 We think with respect that this was a misdirection. This is clearly one of those cases where the issues of self}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 defence and provocation overlap, and the law applicable thereto has recently been considered by this Court in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid10910455 Hau s/o A}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3544139 k}{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid10910455 onaay v. R}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10910455 ., ante page 276.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14036839 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 \par Later in the same paragraph the judgment reads}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3544139 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10910455 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid10910455 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 We think this was an excessive exercise of the right of self}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 defence, in that the accused had no reason to anticipate death or grievous harm, but we see no reason to hold that the of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10910455 fence went beyond manslaughter.}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14036839 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10910455 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 In Australia the same doctrine has been applied and refined, notably in the cases of }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid10910455 R. v. McKay }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 (1957) V.R. 560 and }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid10910455 R. v. Howe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 (1958) 100 }{\field\flddirty{\*\fldinst {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid10910455 HYPERLINK http://C.L.R.448.These }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid13139014\charrsid10910455 {\*\datafield 00d0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b0200000003000000e0c9ea79f9bace118c8200aa004ba90b3000000068007400740070003a002f002f0063002e006c002e0072002e003400340038002e00740068006500730065002f0000000000}}}{\fldrslt { \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid10910455 C.L.R. 448. These}}}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 cases were not followed by the Privy Council in }{ \i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid10910455 R. v. Palmer}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 (1971) 55 Cr. App. R.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3544139 }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 223, but it must be borne in mind that the Privy Council is not the repository of English common law, so that while its decision therein is of the highest persuasive authority it is not, I think, binding on this Court in view of Section 17 of the Penal Code. Be that as it m ay, the ratio decidendi of }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid10910455 R. v. Palmer}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 goes no further in my }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10910455 view than holding that there is}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 no rule that where on a charge of murder an issue of self}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 defence has been left to the jury they must be directed that, if they consider that excessive force was u sed in self}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 defence, they should return a verdict of guilty of manslaughter. It does not go so far as to lay down that a jury must }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10910455 not be so directed where the}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 Judge considers such a direction is warranted on the facts and in the interests of justice. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10910455 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 In }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid10910455 R. v. McInnes}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 [1971] 1 W.L.R. 1600 the English Court of Criminal Appeal accepted the decision in }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid10910455 R. v. Palmer}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 , but the Court of Criminal}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3544139 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 Appeal went no further than to decide that there was no rule that in every case where the issue of self}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid9863046\charrsid14036839 -}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 defence was left to the jury they had to be directed that if they considered death resulted from the use of excessive force by the accused in defence they}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10910455 should return a verdict of man}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 slaughter. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10910455 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 There is one additional comment I feel it necessary to make on }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid10910455 R. v. McInnes}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 . In the penultimate paragraph of the judgment of the Court of Criminal Appeal (page 1610) there}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10910455 occurs the following sentence:-}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10910455 \par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid3544139 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 Despite the high esteem in which we hold our Australian brethren, we respectfully reject as far as this country is concerned the refinement sought to be introduced that, if the accused, in defending himself during a fisticuffs encounter, drew out against his opponent (who he had no reason to think was armed) the deadly weapon which he had earlie}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10910455 r unsheathed and then, }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10910455 let him have it,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 the jury should have been directed that, even on those facts, it was open to t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10910455 hem to convict of manslaughter.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14036839 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10910455 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 That may we ll be the case in England, but in construing and applying the law a Court must have regard to local conditions. In a country where a large proportion of the population are men of extremely powe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid3544139 rful physique capable with one}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 blow of a fist of fracturing a person}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 '}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 s jaw or of felling him to the ground with such brute force as to fracture his skull, and capable with a bare foot of delivering a kick of such power as to cause a person}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 s death, a proposition that, in defending himself such an attack a person must confine himself to }{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 fisticuffs}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid4671138 "}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 and that if he goes further and uses a deadly weapon resulting in the death of his assailant it is not open to convict of manslaughter in lieu of murder, does not commend itself to me; and I am not persuaded that it is the law in this country. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10910455 \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 However in the circumstances of this case the point does not arise. Ha}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10910455 ving analysed}{ \fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid2448015\charrsid14036839 the whole of the evidence I hold that, on the evidence as it stands, no reasonable tribunal could convict the accused. I accordingly record a finding o f not guilty and acquit the accused. \par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10910455 \par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10910455\charrsid10561346 Submission sustained; accused acquitted}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid11150238 .}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe5129\langnp2057\insrsid10561346 \par }}