Wedding Pranks

Charivari, Wedding Pranks

From the book The Clergyman’s Hand-book of Law, about Charivari, Wedding Pranks (1): Charivari, assaults, and disorderly conduct are unlawful at all times, and can not be justified by custom.841 A newly wedded man who was serenaded (charivaried) by his neighbors by firing guns, blowing horns, beating pans, rattling horse-fiddles, etc., after ordering the rioters off fired into the crowd and wounded one of them. On trial for assault with intent to kill, the groom was acquitted. Shooting might not be justifiable in cases where less potent agencies, such as a horsewhip or dogs, are sufficient, or where the immediate protection of person or property does not call for it. The law should be invoked when no exigency for force exists.842

Resources

Notes and References

1. Charles M. Scanlan, The Clergyman’s Hand-book of Law. The Law of Church and Grave (1909), Benziger Brothers, New York, Cincinnati, Chicago

See Also

• Religion
• Church