Michigan Supreme Court, 1806

United States v. Muir

United States v. Muir
Michigan Supreme Court · Decided September 26, 1806 · Bates
1 Blume Sup. Ct. Trans. 317

United States v. Muir

Dissenting Opinion

OPINION BY

BATES, J.,

DISSENTING . . . {Printed in Vol. 2)

1. The laws of Indiana Territory, except local statutes vesting special rights, are not in force in Michigan Territory:

a. The act of Congress dividing Indiana Territory prohibits the exercise of the government of Indiana Territory in Michigan Territory, hence prohibits the exercise of that authority through its laws.

*318b. The Ordinance of 1787 provides for a temporary government, and for temporary laws, hence laws adopted in one district cannot extend to other districts.

1. The common law is in force in Michigan Territory and with the laws adopted by the governor and judges of Michigan constitutes a code sufficiently ample for a temporary government.

Opinion of the Court

Held:

The sentences ought to be reduced as they were imposed according to the common law of England when a law of Indiana Territory was in force which limited punishment for assault and battery to a fine not exceeding one hundred dollars.

Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.