Home | Databases | WorldLII | Search | Feedback Maltese Laws

Sanctuary (Abolition) Law (Cap. 2) Consolidated

SANCTUARY (ABOLITION) [CAP. 2. 1

CHAPTER 2

SANCTUARY (ABOLITION) LAW

To abolish sanctuary and local immunity in criminal matters.

(10th April, 1828)*

Enacted by PROCLAMATION No. VI of 1828.

1. This Proclamation may be cited as the Sanctuary

(Abolition) Law.

2. No local privilege, or immunity whatsoever, shall in any manner operate so as to prevent the due execution of the law in criminal matters:

Provided, nevertheless, that where any person, who has committed or is suspected of having committed any temporal crime or offence, shall seek or be suspected of seeking refuge in any place heretofore considered as affording sanctuary, it shall be lawful for any officer of the Executive Police duly authorized to take before a magistrate for examination or otherwise on a criminal charge any such person then credibly suspected to be in any such place of refuge as is hereinbefore described, to demand the said suspected fugitive at the outer door or gate of the said place of refuge; and if the suspected fugitive be forthwith given up, the said officer shall not pass within the said outer door or gate; but, if the suspected fugitive be not given up upon demand, it shall be lawful for the Police officer, taking to his aid, if necessary, any other civil or ecclesiastical officer or officers, or even a military force, to enter the said place of refuge and to search for the said suspected fugitive, and, if found, thence to remove him or her, with the least possible scandal or disturbance.

Short title.

Local immunity abolished.

Rules for the arrest of persons suspected of a temporal crime seeking refuge in places heretofore considered privileged.

*Published in Government Gazette No. 896 of the 16th April,1828.