Saverland v. Newton (1837) is a court case in which a British man named Thomas Saverland brought an action against Miss Caroline Newton, who had bitten off the left half of his nose after he attempted to kiss her without consent.[1] The judge ruled against him, stating that "When a man kisses a woman against her will, she is fully entitled to bite his nose off, if she so pleases."[2][3] The existence of this case or findings is not available in known court documents. Its recounting and/or existence is based upon newspaper accounts.
There is a case cited in the English courts, as far back as 1837, when Thomas Saverland brought an action against Miss Caroline Newton. Saverland tried to kiss Caroline, 'by way of a joke,' and Caroline bit off a piece of his nose. The defendant was acquitted, and the Judge laid down the law that, 'when a man kisses a woman against her will, she is fully entitled to bite off his nose, if she so pleases,' 'and eat it up, if she has a fancy that way,' added a jocular barrister half aloud.
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