Abstract
The present study aimes to clarify the definitions of unlawful games and lawful sports in 19th-century England. A main source is A Treatise on Crimes and Misdemeanors by Sir Wm.Oldnall Russell, 7th ed., 1909. This book of authority make mention of sports and games in Book VI 'Of Disturbance of the public peace', chap. 1 and 2, and Book IX 'Of Homicide', chap. 1. The obtained conclusion is following. The legal points about sports and games are the intention of them, the maintenance of the public peace, and the prevention of the bodily harm. If the points are not satisfied, the game is regarded as to be unlawful at the common law.
