Case Name: The Case of Archibald M'Neil
Court: Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
Jurisdiction: Massachusetts
Decision Date: 1807-10
Citations: 2 Tyng 288
Docket Number: 
Parties: The Case of Archibald M’Neil.
Judges: 
Reporter: Massachusetts Reports
Volume: 3
Pages: 253–254

Head Matter:
The Case of Archibald M’Neil.
A writ of protection is not necessary to one whose duty brings him to the Court, whether as a juror, witness, or party; and it will not protect one who is not lawfully entitled to it
At the opening of the Court, W. Austin moved for a writ of protection to issue in favor of Mr. M’Neil. who was returned aa one of the grand jury, and who was apprehensive of an arrest.

Opinion:
Curia.
A juror has no occasion for a writ to protect him. If a juror, or any other person, whose duty brings him to Court, whether as a party or a witness, is arrested while attending the Court, or eundo et redeundo, the Court, upon motion, will take order for his discharge. A writ of protection will not protect one who is not lawfully entitled to it, and is of no other use to one who is so entitled, but as prima facie evidence to the officer who is about to arrest him.