Odger's English Common Law

HABITUAL DRUNKENNESS. 231
But the jury have to find specifically that the prisoner is
an habitual drunkard. The prosecution must prove at least
three convictions for drunkenness within the twelve months
preceding the date of the offence upon which the prisoner is
being tried, and also that in consequence of intemperance he
is at times dangerous to himself, his children or to others,
and incapable of managing his affairs.
Where either a married man or woman is an habitual
drunkard within the above definition, the wife or husband
can obtain a separation order from a Court of summary
jurisdiction. 1
The Vagrancy Acts.
Many offences against morality and public decency in our
streets and public places are dealt with by the Yagrancy
Acts, 1824— 1898. 2
Under these Acts persons committing certain offences may
be deemed to be :
—
(i.) " Idle and disorderly persons ;
(ii.) " Rogues and vagabonds ; " or
(iii.)
" Incorrigible rogues."
(i.) " Idle and disorderly persons " are 3 :
(a) Persons who, though able to maintain themselves and
families, wilfully refuse or neglect to do so, and become
chargeable to the parish or township.
(b) Petty chapmen or pedlars wandering abroad or trading
without being licensed or authorised by law.
(c) Common prostitutes found wandering in the streets or
in places of public resort and behaving in a riotous or indecent
manner.
(d) Beggars in public places, or those who encourage
children to beg.
Such persons are liable to one month's hard labour on
conviction as " idle and disorderly persons," or to a fine not
exceeding £5. 4
1 2 Edw. VII. c. 28, s. 5.
» 6 Geo. IV. o. 83 ; 1 & 2 Vict. c. 38 ; 28 & 29 Vict. c. 79 ; 36 * 37 Vict
c. 38 ; 61 & 62 Vict. c. 39.
8 6 Geo. IV. c. 83, s. 3.
"
—
* Summary Jurisdiction Act, 1879 (42 & 43 Vict. c. 49), s. 4.