¶1(nem. con.) instructed the jury that if they should be of opinion, from the evidence, that Venable, the constable, was in .the general execution of his offiee as a conservator of the peace, and as such endeavoring to suppress the affray, then it is not necessary to produce the warrant spoken of by the witness. But if the jury should be of opinion that he was only endeavoring to execute the warrant, then the warrant must be produced, or its non-production satisfactorily accounted for.
1 D.C. 310
United States v. Pignel
District of Columbia District Court
Decided June 15, 1806
District of Columbia District Court · decided 1806-06-15
Presentment, for opposing Clement Venable, a constable, in the execdtion of his duty; it having been proved that Venable had a warrant against the defendant. moved that the warrant should be produced, anfl to instruct the jury to that effect. It is. not necessary to produce the. warrant. Venable took the man in an affray, and had a right to do so as a peace-officer.
Decided 1806-06-15