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State v. Taft

Supreme Court of Rhode Island. PROVIDENCE
Jul 18, 1898
20 R.I. 645 (R.I. 1898)

Opinion

July 18, 1898.

PRESENT: Matteson, C.J., Stiness, Tillinghast, Rogers, Douglas, and Bosworth, JJ.

Practice of the art of "metaphysical healing," for reward without registration and license, is not a violation of Gen. Laws R.I. cap. 165, and the question of the constitutionality of the act is not open to a defendant in a complaint thereunder when the evidence shows only the practice of such art.

COMPLAINT charging the unlawful practice of medicine. Certified from a District Court and heard on constitutional questions.

Charles F. Stearns, Assistant Attorney-General, for the State.

Henry J. Spooner and Warren R. Perce, for defendant.


The defendant was adjudged probably guilty by the District Court of the Sixth Judicial District, of a violation of cap. 165, Gen. Laws R.I., "of the practice of medicine." The defendant, who is a believer in metaphysical healing, claims that said chapter, so far as it relates to the acts complained of, is in violation of Art. 1, § 3, Const. R.I.

Although the testimony differs somewhat in character from that in State v. Mylod, ante 632, and State v. Anthony, ante 644, it fails to show that the defendant, in the statutory sense, was guilty of an unlawful practice of medicine. This being so, the constitutional question is not before the court. See opinion, State v. Mylod.


Summaries of

State v. Taft

Supreme Court of Rhode Island. PROVIDENCE
Jul 18, 1898
20 R.I. 645 (R.I. 1898)
Case details for

State v. Taft

Case Details

Full title:STATE vs. HENRY S. TAFT

Court:Supreme Court of Rhode Island. PROVIDENCE

Date published: Jul 18, 1898

Citations

20 R.I. 645 (R.I. 1898)
40 A. 736