After Scooter Libby, a Topless Bather is Convicted
Most States have some archaic laws on their books. Some States choose to enforce them. Malta , an otherwise liberal democracy with European ideals, is one of the latter group. The Times of Malta today reports about a human rights appeal in this case . The facts of the case are quite straightforward. On 20th August 2006 a young lady went to one of Malta's many sandy beaches and bathed 'sans bikini top' . That is pretty much it. I presume that she was surprised to find herself accused of a contravention in terms of Article 338 of the Criminal Code . That article, introduced in 1933, provides that 'every person is guilty of an offence against public order who...in the harbours, on the seashore, or in any other public place, exposes himself naked or is indecently dressed.' The Court of Magistrates found the accused guilty. She was discharged on the condition that she did not commit any other offence within a week. She appealed the judgment on the grounds that it was in...