Social Standards

Whoever, by word of mouth, behavior, personal appearance or by any other means suggests that he may be a source of harm, or that he may already have hurt us, is called "suspect." There are suspected persons, suspicious facts and equivocal appearances. Suspicion of imminent danger or injury may attach to any person. The defendant in court suspects the mild and gracious looks of the judge because he has heard that one of these "hanging judges" was "a saintly looking old gentleman with flowing white hair, a white beard, a ruddy complexion and a soft, low voice." Bloody Parker of the United States Court in Fort Smith sentenced one hundred and seventy-two men to death. He had abundant white hair and a benevolent spirit. A man who knew him relates: "Off the bench Parker was a gentle,courtly man whom the people of...