Case ID: dc_2/html/0117-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "The Court", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

United States v. Pickering.
    An indictment will not lie against a person for dealing with a slave without his master’s consent, the statute having provided a different mode of prosecution.
    This was an indictment for dealing with a slave without the consent of his master, contrary to the Act of Virginia of 17th December, 1792, § 16, p. 188.
    
      Mr. E. J. Lee, for the United States.
    
      Mr. Taylor, for the defendant.
   The Court

(Thruston, J., absent,)

decided, upon the authority of the United States v. Jesse Simms, 1 Cranch, 252, that an indictment will not lie; the statute having directed the prosecution to be by action on the case by the master for fourfold the value of the article bought or sold, and a penalty of $20 to be recovered by any person who will sue for the same, &c.