Case Name: UNITED STATES v. LAWRENCE
Court: United States Circuit Court of the District of Columbia
Jurisdiction: United States
Decision Date: 1802-11
Citations: 26 F. Cas. 885
Docket Number: 
Parties: UNITED STATES v. LAWRENCE.
Judges: 
Reporter: Federal Cases
Volume: 26
Pages: 885–886

Head Matter:
Case No. 15,575.
UNITED STATES v. LAWRENCE.
[1 Cranch, C. C. 94.]
Circuit Court, District of Columbia.
Nov. Term, 1802.
Seamen—Revolt—Assault upon Master.
Assault and battery by a seaman upon the master of a vessel, does not amount to a eoii-finement of the commander, nor an attempt to excite a revolt within the act of congress.
Indictment [against William Lawrence] for assaulting and beating the master of the brig Neptune (G. Colman), at sea, and attempting to excite a revolt. See the act of congress of April 30, 1790, c. 9, § 12 (1 Stilt. 112).
Mr. Jones, for the defendant,
moved the court to instruct the jury that proof of a mere assault and battery, committed at sea by a seaman upon his commander, does not .amount to a confinement of the commander, nor to an attempt to excite a revolt, within the act of congress, which instruction was given by KILTX, Chief Judge, and CRANCH, Circuit Judge
[Reported by Hon. William Crunch, Chief J mlge.]

Opinion:
MARSHALL, Circuit Judge,
thinking the question did not apply to the case, refused to give an opinion.