Mr. John Clerk, for Smith—My Lords, the witness now called is the wife of George Smith, the pannel at the bar, and therefore I object to her evidence being taken in this trial.
The Lord Advocate—My Lords, I certainly do not intend to examine this witness as to any particular that relates to the conduct of her husband, but I conceive that she is an unexceptionable witness against the other pannel, Mr. Brodie, and that I am entitled to examine her as to him, if I keep clear of any question that has a tendency to bring out the guilt of her husband.
Mr. John Clerk—My Lords, I desire your particular attention to this, that the two pannels are joined together in one indictment, that they are charged with being guilty of the same crime; and that they are in every respect in the same circumstances. I have no conception, my Lords, of any question tending to the crimination of Mr. Brodie that will not at the same time bring out the guilt of Mr. Smith.
The Lord Advocate—My Lords, that I may remove all apprehensions concerning the questions I mean to put, I shall only ask the witness whether Mr. Brodie was in her house on Wednesday, the 5th of March last; when he came there; and in what manner he was then dressed?
Lord Hailes—My Lords, it is clear that this woman cannot be examined as a witness against her husband; but at the same time, although her husband and Brodie are here tried upon one indictment, I see nothing to prevent my Lord Advocate from putting such questions to her as do not affect her own husband, but only the other pannel.
Lord Eskgrove—My Lords, I am of the opinion which has been delivered by my Lord Hailes.
Lord Stonefield—My Lords, I am of the same opinion.
Lord Swinton—My Lords, I agree with the opinion given.
The Lord Justice-Clerk—My Lords, there is no doubt that a wife cannot be received as a witness whether for or against her husband, and her situation is different by our law from that of all other near relations. If a son, for instance, is brought forward as a witness against his father, he may no doubt decline to bear testimony, and no Court of law can compel him to do so; but if he is willing to give his evidence it may be received. A wife, on the contrary, cannot be received as a witness, even though she be willing; a judge can pay no regard to what she says either for or against her husband; and, supposing she had no objection to give her testimony even to hang him, which might happen, it must be refused; therefore, my Lords, whatever this woman says that may infer guilt against her husband must be totally thrown out of consideration; nor will I suffer one single question to be put or her to say a single word from which his guilt can be inferred; and the jury are not to give any attention whatever to it, if it should happen that anything should drop to the prejudice of her husband.
Mr. John Clerk—My Lord Justice-Clerk—