The Rise and Fall of NauvooRoberts, B. H. (Brigham Henry)
History
The Rise and Fall of Nauvoo
Roberts, B. H. (Brigham Henry)
Latter Day Saints -- Illinois -- Nauvoo; Nauvoo (Ill.) -- History
Judge Pope had continued his court two or three days in order to give
Joseph's case a hearing, and in the first interview the judge had
with him, agreed to try the case on its merits, and not dismiss it on
any technicality. The deputy sheriff of Adams County was present, but
refused at first to say whether he had the original writ or not; but
finally King, his associate, admitted he had it.
Fearing that it was the object of these men to hold the original writ
until after proceedings had concluded on the arrest made by virtue
of Governor Carlin's proclamation, and thus create more trouble, a
petition was made to Governor Ford to issue a new writ, that the case
might come up on its merits, which was granted, and Joseph was arrested
by Mr. Maxey, and a writ of _habeas corpus_ was issued by the court;
but as several days must elapse before a hearing could be had, Joseph
was placed under $4,000 bonds, Wilson Law and General James Adams being
his bondsmen.
At last the day of trial came on and the attorney-general of the State
made the following objection to the jurisdiction of the court:
1. The arrest and detention of Smith, was not under or by color of
authority of the United States, or of any officer of the United
States, but under and by color of authority of the State of
Illinois, by the officer of the State of Illinois.
2. When a fugitive from justice is arrested by authority of the
governor of any State, upon the requisition of the governor of
another State, the courts of justice, neither State nor Federal,
have any authority or jurisdiction to inquire into facts behind the
writ.
These points were ably argued _pro_ and _con_ by Mr. Butterfield for
the defense, and the attorney-general for the State. After giving a
patient hearing, the court gave its opinion, saying in relation to the
first objection, that, "The warrant on its face purports to be issued
in pursuance of the Constitution and laws of the United States, as well
as of the State of Illinois;" and therefore the court had jurisdiction.
"The matter in hand," said Judge Pope, "presents a case arising under
the second section of article IV of the Constitution of the United
States, and an act of Congress of February 12th, 1793, to carry it into
effect. The Constitution says: 'The judicial power shall extend to all
cases in law or equity arising under this Constitution, the laws of the
United States, and treaties made, and which shall be made under their
authority.'"
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.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account