Case Name: UNITED STATES v. PICKERING
Court: United States Circuit Court of the District of Columbia
Jurisdiction: United States
Decision Date: 1816-04
Citations: 27 F. Cas. 528
Docket Number: 
Parties: UNITED STATES v. PICKERING.
Judges: (THRUSTON, Circuit Judge, absent)
Reporter: Federal Cases
Volume: 27
Pages: 528–528

Head Matter:
Case No. 16,042.
UNITED STATES v. PICKERING.
[2 Cranch, C. C. 117.]
Circuit Court, District of Columbia.
April Term, 1816.
Slavekt.
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, (page 188, § 16).
E. J. Lee, for the United States.
Mr. Taylor, for defendant

Opinion:
THE COURT
(THRUSTON, Circuit Judge, absent)
decided, upon the authority of U. S. v. Simms, 1 Cranch [5 U. S.] 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.