Mima & Queen v. Hepburn

Decided June 15, 1810

<p>Alienage is not a cause of challenge of a juror. Challenge for favor is to be tried by ■ the two first jurors who are sworn in the,cause. A freeborn negro is a competent witness in a case of freedom.</p>

Decided 1810-06-15

The Court

¶1directed twelve jurors to be drawn out of the box, and a list handed to each party.

¶2The Court

(Thruston, J., absent,)

¶3rejected a challenge because a juror was an alien. It was .stated to have been decided early in the existence of this Court, that alienage was no cause of challenge. Four jurors were challenged for cause, and. put aside; until two were sworn, who ’tried whether the four stood indifferent.

¶4The Court admitted a freeborn black to give evidence. There were several bills of exception taken.

Cranch, C. J., was absent during part of the trial.

¶5Verdict for the defendant.

¶6Judgment affirmed by the Supreme Court of the United States. 7 Cranch, 290.