_Enter the_ LAWYER, ALEXANDERSSON, ALMA JONSSON,
_the_ MILKMAID, _the_ FARM HAND.
SHERIFF, [_Calls out_] The servant girl Alma Jonsson and the
farmer Alexandersson.
LAWYER. I wish to present my power of attorney for the
complainant.
JUDGE. [_Examines the submitted document; then_] The servant
girl Alma Jonsson has had writ served on her former master,
Alexandersson, bringing charges under Chapter Sixteen, Section
Eight, of the Criminal Code, providing for imprisonment of not
more than six months, or a fine, because Alexandersson has
called her a thief without supporting his accusation or making
legal charges. What have you to say, Alexandersson?
ALEXANDERSSON. I called her a thief because I caught her
stealing.
JUDGE. Have you witnesses to her theft?
ALEXANDERSSON. No, as luck would have it, there's no witnesses,
for I mostly go about by myself.
JUDGE. Why did you not make a charge against her?
ALEXANDERSSON. Well, I never go to court. And then it isn't the
usage among us masters to prosecute household thefts, partly
because there are so many of 'em, and partly because we don't
like to spoil a servant's whole future.
JUDGE. Alma Jonsson, what have you to say in answer to this?
ALMA JONSSON. Ya-es----
LAWYER. You keep quiet! Alma Jonsson, who is not a defendant
in this case, but the complainant, asks to have her witnesses
heard in order that she may prove the slander uttered against
her by Alexandersson.
JUDGE. As Alexandersson has admitted the slander, I shall ask
for no witnesses. On the other hand, it is of importance for me
to know whether Alma Jonsson be guilty of the offence mentioned,
for if Alexandersson had reasonable grounds for his utterance,
this will be held a mitigating circumstance when sentence is
passed.
LAWYER. I must take exception to the statement made by the
Court, for by Chapter Sixteen, Section Thirteen, of the Criminal
Code, one charged with slander is denied the right to bring
evidence as to the truth of his defamation.
JUDGE. Parties, witnesses, and spectators will retire so that
the Court may consider the case.
[_All go out except the members of the Court_.