Case Name: UNITED STATES v. RHODES
Court: United States Circuit Court of the District of Columbia
Jurisdiction: United States
Decision Date: 1807-11
Citations: 27 F. Cas. 794
Docket Number: 
Parties: UNITED STATES v. RHODES.
Judges: DUCKETT, Circuit Judge, absent.
Reporter: Federal Cases
Volume: 27
Pages: 794–794

Head Matter:
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.

Opinion:
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.