AFFILIATION PROCEEDINGS
[To the Editor of THE SPECTATOR.]
Sia,—The publicity which is being given to a paternity case in the Press should draw attention to the unsatisfactory situation in regard to affiliation proceedings generally. The Police Court is a most unsuitable tribunal for these cases. They are often disposed of hurriedly and in a very rough-and- ready manner. A mistaken sense of chivalry often inclines the male magistrates to favour the woman. Too many women justices consider that it is their function to side with their sex. The " corroboration " required by law is in practice frequently fined down to next to nothing.
It is rare (as in the present case) fora Man to be able to face imprisonment without loss of employment, and to have' the means to prosecute inquiries necessary to bring all the relevant facts to light. Too many have to submit to injustice without hope of redress. .
Cases which may involve a defendant in economic or social ruin should be more carefully dealt am; Sir, &C.,
33 Ulysses Road, N.W. 6. ALEC CRAIG.
Previous page
