Whiteacre v. Rector

The single question we have to determine in this case is, whether the homestead exemption can be claimed against a fine due to the commonwealth, imposed for a violation of its criminal laws.

The record shows that Lewis Lector was tried and convicted upon two indictments in the county court of Fauquier for misdemeanor. In the one case he was sentenced to thirty days’ imprisonment in the county jail, and to pay a fine of one hundred and twenty-five dollars; in the other, to fifteen days’ imprisonment and to a fine of fifteen dollars.

Executions for these fines were placed in the hands of the…