Citation: 3 Cranch 448 · 7 U.S. 448 · 2 L. Ed. 495 · 1806 U.S. LEXIS 346 · SCDB 1806-023
Opinion
The Judges of this Court were unanimously of opinion, that the warrant of commitment was illegal, for want of stating some good cause certain, supported by oath. If the circuit court had proceeded de novo, perhaps, it might have made a difference. But this court is of opinion, that that court has gone only upon the proceedings before the justices. It has gone so far as to correct two of the errors committed, but the rest remain. If the prisoner is really a person of ill fame, and ought to find sureties for his good behavior, the justices may proceed de novo, and take care that their proceedings are regular. The prisoner is discharged.