Section 28 For removing doubts as to ordering the restoration of property unlawfully pawned, &c.

And whereas doubts have arisen whether goods unlawfully deposited, pledged, pawned, or exchanged may be restored to the owner in cases of summary conviction, or where the goods are produced without the issue of any such warrant; it shall be lawful for any magistrate to order that any goods unlawfully . . . F1 exchanged, which shall be brought before him, and the ownership of which shall be established to the satisfaction of such magistrate, shall be delivered up to the owner by the party with whom they were so unlawfully . . . exchanged, either without compensation, or with such compensation to the party in question as the magistrate may think fit.