[xxxvi. 42]

1821. April 19 .

Constitut. Cod

First Lines

Ch. Corruption

\PS\ Efficiency - measures and stages

Of a given quantity of the matter of corruptive influence, /if/ the efficiency is less and less, in proportion to the number of the persons whose mutually known concurrence is necessary to the receipt of the corruptive benefit, and in proportion to the number and natural notoriety of the acts necessary on the part of each person necessary to the receipt of it: and where any penalty is attached to the conferring or to the receipt of the benefit, to the magnitude of the penalty, and the degree of propinquity nd certainty and propinquity attached to the infliction of it.

The case in which its efficiency is at the highest point is the case /that/ in which the receipt of the corruptive benefit takes place by means of an arrangement of law in the establishment of which no persons now. i.e. living at the time of the receipt of the corruptive benefit have been concerned /borne a part/; and it is in conformity to such arrangement that the act by which the receipt is effected has been performed.