Justice Detail

Willard v. People

Willard was indicted for unlawfully secreting Julia, a mulatto girl and slave belonging to Sarah Lisle, while she passed through Illinois en route from Kentucky to Louisiana. Despite his demurral, the court fined him. The defense argued the indictment violated constitutional clauses and state ordinances regarding slavery. However, the Illinois Supreme Court affirmed the judgment, citing the necessity of interstate comity and maintaining peace. The law of comity permits passage of slaves through states, thus upholding the judgment. Case 001444 is missing, but is possibly part of this case.

McDonald v. Fithian and Juneau

The Vermillion Circuit Court's decision, upheld on appeal, dissolved an injunction and dismissed the complainant's bill. Fithian's purchase of land from Juneau in 1835 for $500, later resold at $3000 per acre, sparked the dispute. Allegations of fraud arose, but evidence failed to substantiate claims. The court found no wrongdoing by Fithian, affirming the decree with costs. Justices Treat, Shields, and Thomas dissented. Re-hearing petition by appellant J. J. Brown was denied.

Adams et al. v. King et al

Adams's declaration asserted that the King and others jointly and severally promised to pay Adams and others a specified sum after six months, as administrators of Abner Chase, deceased. King's demurrer was overruled, leading to judgment for the Adams. King and others appealed, citing errors in the demurrer. The Supreme Court upheld the judgment, stating that the promise to the plaintiffs, described as administrators of Abner Chase, was valid.