Case ID: scl_16/html/0005-01.html
Source: Caselaw Access Project
Author: {"author": "\n      Mr. Justice Huger,", "license": "Public Domain", "url": "https://static.case.law/"}
Date Created: 2024-08-24T03:29:51.129683

John Rodgers, ads. Isaac Norton.
    
      Free persons of color are entitled to the benefit of. “ the Prison Bounds Act."
    
    This was a rule on the Clerk, to shew cause why he didnot admit to the benefit of the Prisons Bounds Act, Isaac Norton.
    The Clerk shewed for' cause “ that the said Isaac Norton was a free man of color, and therefore not entitled to the bener fit of that act.” The rule was made absolute by the Circuit Court. From that decision an appeal was submitted to this Court.'
   The opinion of the Court was delivered by

Mr. Justice Huger,

The act of 1788, for establishing the bounds of the Prisons, &cc. declares, Whereas humanity requires that the confinement of persons on civil process should be less rigorous: Be it enacted, that all prisoners on jnesne process, in any civil action, &c. on complying With the requisitions contained in this act, shall be entitled, &c. to the rules.” The words are very broad, <£Prisons and Prisoners,” and these are used throughout-the act.. No where are the words “ free white person” employed. The act therefore does not exclude free persons o. color: nor would it be just, after forcing them into Court, to. Withhold a privilege so important and which is granted to all others. The policy of the law appears to require no such dis crimination.

The motion is refused.

Johnson, Roit, Gantt, Richard* son, Colcock, Justices concurred.