Foreign News: Ach, So?

Into action last week went the first of Germany's 1,700 new Sterilization Courts (TIME, Jan. 1). In Görlitz one Georg Puegner, a stolid 54-year-old laborer was first to be sentenced.

"Puegner," said the Görlitz judge, "you have contributed to the delinquency of a minor."

"Ach, so?" cried Georg Puegner, blinking at the big words.

"I sentence you to be sterilized," barked the judge, "and also to one year in jail."

German physicians who fail to report patients who ought to be sterilized were threatened last week with a fine of 150 marks ($56).

...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!