Case Name: Commonwealth vs. Charles Hyneman
Court: Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
Jurisdiction: Massachusetts
Decision Date: 1869-01
Citations: 101 Mass. 30
Docket Number: 
Parties: Commonwealth vs. Charles Hyneman.
Judges: 
Reporter: Massachusetts Reports
Volume: 101
Pages: 30–31

Head Matter:
Commonwealth vs. Charles Hyneman.
To a complaint against a licensed victualler for selling intoxicating liquors on the Lord's day, in violation of St. 1868, c. 141, § 10, it is no defence that the defendant was a Jew and conscientiously believed that the seventh day of the week ought to be observed as the Sabbath.
Complaint against a licensed victualler for violation of the 8t. of 1868, c. 141, § 10. The case is stated in the opinion.
T. H. Tyndale, for the defendant.
C. Allen, Attorney General, for the Commonwealth.

Opinion:
Chapman, C. J.
The defendant is found guilty of selling intoxicating liquors on the Lord's day, contrary to the provisions of St. 1868, c. 141. He has a license; but, by § 10, the license does not authorize him to sell on that day. But he offered to prove that he was a Jew, conscientiously believing that the seventh day is the Sabbath. His conscientious belief might protect him from a prosecution for violating the provisions of the Gen. Sts. c. 84, by acts of secular labor on the Lord's day (see § 9), provided he violated no other law. But it is no excuse for his violation of the law respecting the sale of intoxicating liquors. Exceptions overruled.