United States v. La Coste
U.S. Circuit Court for the District of Massachusetts
Indictment [against Adolphe La Coste] on the second and third sections of the act of 20th of April. 1818, c. 86 [3 Story’s Laws 1C9S; 3 Slat. 450, c. 91], against the slave trade. There were various counts in the indictment, but that which was principally relied on, was for causing a certain vessel, called the Science, to sail from the port of New York, for the purpose of procuring ne-groes, &c. from Africa, to be transported and held, sold and disposed of as slaves.
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Indictment [against Adolphe La Coste] on the second and third sections of the act of 20th of April. 1818, c. 86 [3 Story’s Laws 1C9S; 3 Slat. 450, c. 91], against the slave trade. There were various counts in the indictment, but that which was principally relied on, was for causing a certain vessel, called the Science, to sail from the port of New York, for the purpose of procuring ne-groes, &c. from Africa, to be transported and held, sold and disposed of as slaves. At the trial the cause turned principally on questions of fact. contended that the crime, if at all, was committed within the…
1Opinion of the Court
STORY, Circuit Justice.
On the point of law. the court does not entertain any kind of doubt. It is admitted that this court has jurisdiction, if the crime was committed on the high seas. It is admitted, also, that the port of New York lies contiguous to the- sea, and that the moment a vessel sails without the exterior limit of that port, she is on the high seas. The words of the statute are. that no citizen, &c. or any other person, &c. shall “cause any such ship or vessel to sail from any port or place whatsoever.” within the jurisdiction of the United States, &c. It is clear to us, that the…
2Cited by8 opinions
- Cowley v. . People of the State of New YorkNew York Court of Appeals · 1881
- State v. BriggsSupreme Court of Iowa · 1886
- People v. TaylorNew York Supreme Court · 1846
- People v. TaylorNew York Supreme Court · 1846
- People v. SullivanUtah Supreme Court · 1893
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