Case Name: State v. Brice
Court: Constitutional Court of South Carolina
Jurisdiction: South Carolina
Decision Date: 1806-04
Citations: 2 Brev. 66
Docket Number: 
Parties: State v. Brice.
Judges: 
Reporter: South Carolina Law Reports
Volume: 4
Pages: 66–67

Head Matter:
CONSTITUTIONAL COURT, COLUMBIA,
APRIL, 1806.
State v. Brice.
Indictment lies for the penalty for permitting and encouraging persons to play at prohibited games in the dwelling house, &c. contrary to the act of 1802; although it be not expressly alleged that the house was kept for the purpose of gaming, and that games were played therein.
Motion in arrest of judgment. Indictment tried before Judge Bat, in Union district. The indictment was for the penalty under the act to prevent gaming, passed in 1802. The indictment charged the defendant with permitting and encouraging in his dwelling house, W. L., &c. &c. to play at cards, dice, &c,
Nott, in support of the motion,
contended, that the offence laid was not such a one as is described by the act of 1802. That the act was made to prevent gaming, and prohibits, — 1. Playing at the several games specified. 2. Betting on the sides or hands of those who shall play. 3. Keeping a gaming house, or place for the pur. pose of gaming. The indictment does not state that the defendant kept his dwelling for gaming purposes, or that it was his practice to allow persons to game therein ; but only that he encouraged and permitted certain persons to play therein, without asserting that they ’ did actually play therein. Penal statutes must be construed strictly. “Permit and encourage” are not words used in the act.
Staeke, Solicitor, against the motion,
insisted that the offence was sufficiently laid within the words and intention of the act; and the act being in suppression of a public mischief, ought to be bene~ ficially and liberally expounded.

Opinion:
28th April, 1806. The opinion of
Grimke, Waties, Teeze-vant, and Wilds, Justices,
was, that the motion ought not to prevail, and that the indictment was sufficiently certain and consistent enough with the act of assembly.