Caroline Newton’s Nose-Biting Defense

In 1837, a British woman named Caroline Newton bit off part of Thomas Saverland’s nose after he tried to kiss her without her consent. Saverland took her to court, but the jury acquitted Newton after hearing that he had grabbed her and tried to kiss her during a scuffle. The judge said a man who kisses a woman against her will leaves her entitled to bite off his nose if she chooses.

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