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6 Conn. 475

State v. Howard

Supreme Court of Connecticut

Decided July 15, 1827

Supreme Court of Connecticut · decided 1827-07-15

This was an information at common law, filed by the state’s attorney, in the superior court, alleging, That Howard, being lawfully in the custody of Ebenezer Smith, a constable, by virtue of a warrant for a breach of the peace, and required to give bond with surety for his appearance before the county court “with force and arms, did feloniously break away and escape from and out of the custody of him, the said Ebenezer Smith, constable as aforesaid, and against the peace ;…

Decided 1827-07-15

Peters, J.

¶1The only question for us to decide is, whether the escape alleged is a high crime and misdemeanour. The case is not distinguishable from The State v. Knapp, ante, p. 415. wherein it was decided, that in analogy to other crimes by statute made cognizable by the superior court, high crimes and misdemeanours are nearly allied and equal in guilt to those other crimes.

¶2To rescue a prisoner, or effect his escape, is to become ac-cessary to his guilt. 4 Bla. Comm. 131. 2 Swift’s Dig. 377. And by statute (til. 22. s. 50.) to resist or abuse a sheriff, or constable, in the execution of his office, is a misdemeanour, punishable by the county court. Surely, it is not a higher crime to elude the vigilance of an officer, than to knock him down. If so, or if this elusion be a species of resistance, I am of opinion, that the information is insufficient; and therefore advise that the case is not within the jurisdiction of the superior court.

*477The other Judges were of the same opinion.

¶3Information insufficient.

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