State v. Stillman

81 Wis. 124 | Wis. | 1892

OetoN, J.

The defendant was informed against and convicted of the crime of rape on a female of the age of thirty-eight years. On the trial of this, case questions of •law arose which, in the opinion of the judge of the circuit court, were so important or doubtful as to require the decision of this court, and the judge of said court has therefore reported the case to this court for the decision of said questions. The questions are as follows: “First. Was section 4381 of the Revised Statutes of 1818 repealed by chapter 368 of the General Laws of 1889?” “Second. Can the defendant be punished under said sec. 4381, R. S. 1878, as amended by chapter 368 of the General Laws of 1889, for the offense charged in the information, and for which he was convicted? ” The third question is immaterial.

We answer the first question, Yes; but only so far as it was amended by or in conflict with chapter 368 of the General Laws of 1889.

We answer the second question, Yes. The rewriting and re-enactment of the whole section with the amendment or amendments engrossed, is a mere rule of the legislature to secure a clearer and readier understanding of the place and effect of the amendment. It is no part of the legislative act. The act consists of the amendment alone. For instance, the act of the legislature of 1889, so far as it relates to section 4381 of the Revised Statutes, is to “amend that section by striking out the word ‘ ten ’ where it occurs in said section, and inserting the word ‘ twelml ” That is as far as the legislature had any thought or intent. Then follows what is merely a conclusion, and clerical, under the rule,— “ so that said section, when amended, shall read as follows,” etc. The omission of the words “ or more,” following the word “ years,” in specifying the age of the female, in sec. 4381, R. S., and inserting the words “ or under” is a mere clerical mistalce in engrossing or rewriting the whole section as amended, and does not affect the act, which merely struck -out “ ten ” and inserted “ twelve.” The courts will read the amendment engrossed as it ought to be. Sec. 4381, R. S., is in force, so amended. The reenactment of the section, as so amended, is a mere matter of form and a supererogation. There is no repealing clause in the act, and therefore the section of the Eevised Statutes is not repealed any further than the amendment conflicts with it.

These answers will be certified by the clerk to the circuit court of the county of G-reen Lake, in which the trial was had, as the opinion of this court.

By the Court.— Ordered accordingly.