Intoxication. This term is applied to the condition brought about by an overdose of alcohol. The symptoms induced vary a good deal according to the rapidity with which the alcohol is drunk and absorbed into the blood, and also according to the form—spirits, wine, or beer—in which it is taken. If they are swallowed rapidly in large quantities the symptoms are those of a narcotic poison. See ALCOHOL, ALCOHOLISM, POISON.
Intoxication, or drunkenness, is, in point of law, no excuse for any wrong done by the drunken party. Crimes which are committed in a state of drunkenness are punishable in the same way as if the actor were sober, though it is discretionary in the court to mitigate the sentence. A contract made when the parties, or either of them, are in a state of complete incapacity from intoxication may be made void. So it is when one of the parties is intoxicated, and a sober person induces his consent by fraud. Thus, if goods are sold to a person so drunk that he does not know what he is doing, the purchase may be repudiated as soon as the drunk man becomes sober. Unless he does so immediately on coming to his senses, however, the contract will stand. The drunk man, in short, may either repudiate or enforce the bargain when he comes to his senses. The mere act or state of drunkenness, when privately indulged in, is not an offence against the law; but if it be shown in public it may become so. Every person found drunk in a highway or public place, or in a licensed house, is liable to a penalty of ten shillings; and on a second offence within twelve months, to twenty shillings, and on a third offence within twelve months, to forty shillings. To be drunk and riotous, or be drunk while in charge of a horse or carriage, or of a gun, is punishable with a fine of twenty shillings, or imprisonment for one month. Local acts also often impose other penalties. In Scotland several ancient statutes were passed against drunkenness, which, however, are in desuetude. In many local police acts a penalty is imposed on drunkenness in the streets.