Commonwealth v. Shankel

Opinion by

Hirt, J.,

This is a proceeding brought under §733 of the Criminal Code of June 24, 1939, P. L. 872, 18 PS §4733, which in substance is a reenactment of the Act of April 13, 1867, P. L. 78, 18 PS §1251 as amended, and which continues the long established ^practice relating to actions against a husband for the support of wife or 'children. “The purpose of the proceeding is not to punish the defendant for his conduct toward his family but to secure such allowance for their support as is reasonable, having in view his ability to pay and the conditions under which his family lives”: Com.…