63 Pa. Super. 314 | Pa. Super. Ct. | 1916
This appeal involves the constitutionality of certain items of the Act of April 23, 1909, P. L, 160, relating to
The question arose from the authority to collect costs in prosecutions brought under the Act of June 11, 1879, P. L. 152, an act to prevent illegal train riding; the Act of April 14, 1905, P. L. 169, an act to prevent illegal trespass upon lands posted with notices; and the Act of May 2, 1901, P. L. 132, an act to punish loud, boisterous and unseemly noises on streets and highways. Each act was complete in itself in providing for the offenses mentioned, the enforcement of the act, and the final disposition of the case. All are summary convictions and the appellant admits that there was no liability on the county for his costs prior to the Act of 1909. ' Neither
The title in question gives notice that it will regulate and establish fees of justices of the peace. The thought conveyed by the words “regulate and establish” would be to fix and determine the amount thereof. It does not indicate how or by whom such fees are to be paid. The act does not attempt to define any crime or the punishment thereof. Where prior legislation dealt with the several items mentioned in the act and directed their payment, or where general acts dealt with the subject of costs and directed the manner of payment, the title to the present act would no doubt be sufficient to cover such items as contained in the present bill. But where an attempt is made to impose on the county a new charge for costs where none before existed; and by such charge relieve defendants or prosecutors from liability for the costs to the justice, the title under our decisions must contain a reasonable notice of such intention. While the amount of the fee provided in the act is comparatively small, these offenses become numerous and the charge becomes quite a burden on the county. Its officials should have a reasonable opportunity to know that they are expected to meet that burden and provide for it as they provide for the payment of all the expenses of the county. The cases relied on by the appellant may be distinguished in that they were for fees which had been in some manner provided for by pre-existing legislation and are
In sustaining the view of the court below as to the unconstitutionality of the item quoted with respect to the acts of assembly mentioned, it is unnecessary to consider the other questions raised by the appellant.
The judgment is affirmed.