By declaring that a woman is well known to him
as a prostitute a constable who gives evidence for the prose- cution at once creates a_prejudice. Under our Stipendiary Magistrates this probably makes little difference ; but grave abuses may result in other ways. For instance, a woman who knows that she can have her character thus presented in a police court on the unsupported word of a constable feels that she is entirely in his power. Although we have heard rumours of the abuses of this system we wait to be convinced. It is obvious, however, that it is unfair both to the women and the police that the system should inherently .contain the possibilities of tyranny and corruption. Although this matter was to be the main point of inquiry, recent trials for street offences have greatly enlarged the scope of the inquiry. The Home Secretary is to be congratulated on having got together an excellent Committee.
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