Joyner v. Harris

"Walker, J.

Tbis is an action to recover tbe penalty given by Eevisal, sec. 2090, for unlawfully issuing a marriage license to Martin Burrus and Julia B. Joyner, without proper inquiry as to tbe age of tbe prospective bride. Tbe statute, under wbicb tbis suit was brought, is a wise and beneficent one, tbe object being to protect tbe parties themselves, and tbe community as well, from hasty and improvident matrimonial alliances, wbicb eventually produce discord and unhappiiness in the family — one. of tbe essential units of our republican household — and are hurtful to society in many ways..…