Case ID: f-cas_27/html/0794-01.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

Case So. 16,152.
    UNITED STATES v. RHODES.
    [1 Cranch, C. C. 447.] 
    
    Circuit Court, District of Columbia.
    Nov. Term, 1807.
    Competency op Witnesses—Larceny by Suave.
    The owner of goods stolen by a slave is not a competent witness for the prosecution, because he is entitled to one half of the fine which the court must impose under the act of congress.
    Indictment [against Milly Rhodes, a slave] for stealing a piece of Russia linen, the property of Mr. Vowell.
    Mr. Jones contends that Vowell is a competent witness, because as a slave can have no property, there ought not to be a fine, and if no fine, no interest.
   But

THE COURT

said, the act of congress under which she is indicted makes the fine a necessary part of the punishment, and Mr. Vowell will be entitled to one half of the fine.

DUCKETT, Circuit Judge, absent.