People v. Gill

The question is whether, in bastardy proceedings over defendant’s objection, an offel of settlement made by defendant, accepted by complainant and her parents and rejected by the board of superintendents of the poor, may be received in evidence as tending to show guilt of defendant.

In civil cases, offers of compromise are rejected as admissions, of liability. Their reception would be inimical to the policy of the law to encourage settlements, discourage litigation, and afford the individual fair opportunity to buy his peace. Theseconsiderations do not apply in criminal cases, where the public…