Stephen H. Branch's Alligator, Vol. 1 no. 17, August 14, 1858
History
Stephen H. Branch's Alligator, Vol. 1 no. 17, August 14, 1858
New York (N.Y.) -- Politics and government
Shortly after the opening of the Court, Mr. Ashmead rose and commenced
to sum up for the defence. He opened by pointing out the
responsibilities of the Jury, stating that should they find a verdict in
favor of the prosecution, it would establish a precedent which would
strike a serious blow at the liberty of the citizen. He characterized
the prosecution as one of the most extraordinary character. In
commenting on the experience of the opposing counsel, he said he
remembered a comment by a most eminent divine, on the words of Solomon,
“I have never seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging their
bread,” namely, that what Solomon had not seen he had. He spoke strongly
against the fact that the prosecution had originated with the Grand
Jury, instead of taking the action before a committing magistrate,
having a preliminary examination. Here was a citizen, humble if they
pleased, on one side, while on the other was the Mayor of the greatest
city in the New World, and these officers of the Grand Jury, forgetting
that in this republic all should be treated alike, encroached upon the
liberty of this citizen by stepping out of their usual course. Should
the jury adopt the precedent of convicting a man under such
circumstances, then God help the liberty of the citizen; but the
consequences would rest upon the heads of them and their children. [Mr.
Ashmead here read extracts from the opinions of eminent Judges, showing
that a prisoner had a right to a preliminary examination before the case
could go before the Grand Jury.] But this unfortunate man was not so
served; he knew nothing of the accusation, nor was he brought face to
face with his powerful accusers. Were this man immaculate, he stood,
under these circumstances, subject to all the lightning elequence of the
opposite side, and was not able to do as was his right, namely, bring an
action for damages against his accusers, because the responsibility
rested with the public prosecutor.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account