Case ID: blume-sup-ct-trans_1/html/0317-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "BATES, J.,", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

No. 19
    UNITED STATES v. MUIR, LUNDIE, AND BREVOORT
    
      September 26, 1806
    
    William McDowell Scott, attorney for United States
    Elijah Brush, attorney for defendants
    Solomon Sibley, attorney for Lundie
   Held:

The sentences ought to be reduced as they were imposed according to the common law of England when a law of Indiana Territory was in force which limited punishment for assault and battery to a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars.

OPINION BY

BATES, J.,

DISSENTING . . . {Printed in Vol. 2)

1. The laws of Indiana Territory, except local statutes vesting special rights, are not in force in Michigan Territory:

a. The act of Congress dividing Indiana Territory prohibits the exercise of the government of Indiana Territory in Michigan Territory, hence prohibits the exercise of that authority through its laws.

b. The Ordinance of 1787 provides for a temporary government, and for temporary laws, hence laws adopted in one district cannot extend to other districts.

1. The common law is in force in Michigan Territory and with the laws adopted by the governor and judges of Michigan constitutes a code sufficiently ample for a temporary government.