Brought to you by your local constabulary. But what if I need to bake a last-minute cake for me mum?! [I’m on blogging break. Regular posts will resume in February.]
Month: October 2011
Flog It
Neil Steinberg wrote a good review of In Defense of Flogging in my old home-town Chicago Sun-Times. I’m particularly impressed that caught what I thought was obvious: Moskos has brilliantly used the old PR trick of marrying a complex, off-putting topic to a fascinating one. If you want to trick people into reading about penal reform, brandish a whip. And…
Could it all be about margarine?
From a 1970s Readers Digest. [I’m on blogging break. Regular posts will resume in February.]
The more things change… October 20, 1829
The Commissioners wish to remind the constables that, in every case when it is judged necessary to dismiss any man, the whole of his pay accruing from the last pay-day will be forfeited. Source: Metropolitan Police. Instructions Orders &c. &c.1836. London: W. Clowes & Sons. [I’m on break. Regular blogging will resume in February.]
The more things change… October 17, 1829
The paperwork begins. Some instances of rudeness on the part of individuals of the Police towards persons asking them civil questions have been reported to the Commissioners of the Police. the Commissions therefore call upon the Superintendents to instruct their officers and men. The Superintendents will receive a book of instructions for every man and officer of their respective Companies;…
The more things change… October 14, 1829
The Commissioners have again to express their great regret that the pay-day has not passed over without the occurrence of several cases of intoxication by members of the Police. The Commissioners have, in the execution of their duty, been compelled to dismiss the individuals guilty of a crime which renders them completely unfit for the Police service, and which cannot…
The more things change… October 13, 1829
The Constables are not to go into public houses at night to order the landlord to close his house, or interfere in any other manner with the management or regulation of the house. If public houses are disorderly, notice is to be given to the Serjeant, who will report the case to the proper authorities. Sergeant: “What are you doing…
The more things change… October 11, 1829
Any man reported for endearvouring to conceal his number, or refusing to shew (sic) or tell it when properly asked, will be dismissed, as such concealment or denial can only be caused by having done something he is ashamed of. Source: Metropolitan Police. Instructions Orders &c. &c.1836. London: W. Clowes & Sons. [I’m on break. Regular blogging will resume in…
Brave Thinkers of the Year
The Atlantic’s annual list of Brave Thinkers just came out. I’m in it (and with some pretty impressive company)! Mind you, this doesn’t actually mean I’m a goodthinker… just a brave one.
Scalia: Federal Drug Laws Were a Mistake
From the WSJ via the Atlantic: “It was a great mistake to put routine drug offenses into the federal courts,” he told the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday. The Wall Street Journal went on to report Scalia’s belief that the laws forced Congress to enlarge the federal court system, and diminished “the elite quality of the federal judiciary.” … The federal…