Thomas v. Rumsey

It is not necessary that the plaintiff should be an officer, in the strict sense of the word. The act authorises the court to direct a special jury, in cases which they may deem intricate and important. We consider, that where a person holds aplace of high public trus't and confidence, and is libelled in relation to his official capacity, it is a case of such importance, as the public have a deep interest in the character of its officers and magistrates, that.we will grant a struck jury. It is on this principle, that the court have granted special juries, in actions where public officers were…