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Story
June 27, 1820
The New Hampshire Gazette
Portsmouth, Rockingham County, New Hampshire
What is this article about?
Chief Justice Cranch charges the Grand Jury of the District of Columbia on dueling, deeming it murder under law despite societal views, regretting a recent fatal duel involving a heroic figure, and warning of penalties for challenges.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
Duelling—Chief Justice Cranch, in his late charge to the Grand Jury of the District of Columbia, observes:—
" Since the last session of a grand jury for this county, we have had to deplore the occurrence of another case of what the world calls honorable satisfaction, but which in contemplation of law, both human and divine, is murder.
"It is to be regretted that the lamented and illustrious individual, whose virtues and whose heroism were the pride of his country, should not have added one more laurel to his brow, by declining the fatal contest.
" However fairly and honorably a duel may be fought, yet if death ensue, it is in the eye of the law, murder, both in principals and accessories; and a challenge to fight, although not accepted, and even the carrying of such a challenge, are high misdemeanors, punishable by fine and imprisonment.
" What I have said upon this subject, I have deemed it my duty to say, that a doubt of the law may not be excited by the high and honorable standing of the parties, or the universal sympathy of the nation."
" Since the last session of a grand jury for this county, we have had to deplore the occurrence of another case of what the world calls honorable satisfaction, but which in contemplation of law, both human and divine, is murder.
"It is to be regretted that the lamented and illustrious individual, whose virtues and whose heroism were the pride of his country, should not have added one more laurel to his brow, by declining the fatal contest.
" However fairly and honorably a duel may be fought, yet if death ensue, it is in the eye of the law, murder, both in principals and accessories; and a challenge to fight, although not accepted, and even the carrying of such a challenge, are high misdemeanors, punishable by fine and imprisonment.
" What I have said upon this subject, I have deemed it my duty to say, that a doubt of the law may not be excited by the high and honorable standing of the parties, or the universal sympathy of the nation."
What sub-type of article is it?
Crime Story
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Crime Punishment
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
Dueling
Murder
Grand Jury
Chief Justice Cranch
Honorable Satisfaction
Legal Penalties
What entities or persons were involved?
Chief Justice Cranch
Where did it happen?
District Of Columbia
Story Details
Key Persons
Chief Justice Cranch
Location
District Of Columbia
Story Details
Chief Justice Cranch addresses the Grand Jury on a recent duel, calling it murder despite its 'honorable' nature, regrets the death of a heroic figure who participated, explains legal penalties for dueling and challenges, and emphasizes the law's impartiality.