26094 — A Lausanne, Chez Franç. Grasset et Comp., Et se vend à Milan, Chez Joseph Galeazzi, 1768. Two works in one volume. xi, (i), 150, (10, indice) pp.; 115, (1) pp. 8vo. Contemporary marbled calf, spine gilt with raised bands, red morocco label with gilt lettering, dark spot on lower half of binding. First work: Conlon 68:1353; not in Camus. Rare first French edition of Risi's Animadversiones ad criminalem jurisprudentiam pertinentes, 1766, and translated by Seigneux de Correvon. This very interesting work deals not with the entire judicial process but aims to discuss a number of points were it is felt that improvements and reform are necessary with an eye on the credibility of the judges, the verdicts, and the system of penal law itself. These are the crime itself, proof and fact finding, witnesses, and possible confessions; proportionality of the sentence, where it is argued that the sentence can only be just if all circumstances have been taken into consideration; the use of torture, where the author argues in favour of a more humane practice, especially with regard to the possibly innocent suspect !; and finally the competence of the judges and those of the various tribunals, especially where disputes over competence trouble and delay the operations of the law. The author cites ancient sources as well as contemporaries: Beccaria, Pufendorf, Voet, Carpzov, Vouglans, Domat, Noodt, etc. The last 10 pages contain the index to the work.Second work: Conlon 68:1421; not in Camus.First edition of this work by Seigneux de Correvon, the translator of the first work. In the present work he continues and elaborates on Risi's criticism of the use of torture in the judicial process, pointing to the danger and inadequacy for a proper legal procedure. It resounds Beccaria and brought him north of the Alps so to speak: the work had a good succes in Europe.The first work with a dampstain in the lower outer margin of the first 30 pages, and the last work with a dampstain in the lower outer margin towards the end.
