The Latimer Statute

The following ia the Act whicli passed the Legislaluro of Massuchnsetts by ta unamious vote, xviihóut distinction of partios. It was occasioned by the ntUmpt to carry ofl'George Latimer :is a fugitiva slavo, under the comivnnco of Cliief Justice Shaw, Sheriff Eveletï), Joilor Coolidge, anti Lnwyer E. G. Austin. - Tiie only rctribution lor tbeir agency will bc tlicir own reilections on Ibis Stutute. Southc-rn editora, paiticularly ím Virginia, onght to copy Ibis ''Statuie of Liberty." It is an oI men of tbc future. AN ACT further to protect Personal Li berty. Be il enoclfd, ijc, as olimos : Skc. 1. No Jiulge ofnuy Court of record of tliis commonweallb, and no Justico oflhe Peace sl:ill hevcufier tnke cognizance, or ernnt a certifícate in cases ihat may ari?e under the tbird sectiun of the Act of Congress, pnesed Febniary Iwelflb, seventeen hundred ninetythrec, and cntitled an Act respecting fugitivos froni Justice, and persons escaping frrm t!e service of tbeir masters to any persoH wlio claims any other person as a fngitive sláve j within the jnriödiction of the coinmonwcalth. Si;c. 2. No sheriff deputy sheriff, coroner, constable, jailor, or othcr officer of tliis coinmöriweakli shall hereafler arrest or detain, or a:l in tlie arrest or detention or impriaoninent in any joi!, or other building belonging to the commonwealtii, or to any county, city, or town thereof, of any person fortlie reason that he is claïnïed as a fugitivo slave. Sec. f5. Any Ju?liceofthe Peace, sheriff, Öeputy sheriff; coroner constable, or jailor,vho i-hall oflènd against the provisions of this law, bV ia any way acting directly or indirectly nn! dor the power conferred by the third section oflhe Act of Congress. afore-mentioned, shall ibrff-i a íiim not exceeding onetliousand dolj lors for every such offence to the county where said ofiuncc' is committed, or shall be subject j 'o imprispnment not exceeding'one ye.ir in the ! Coun'y Jail. Approved by the Governor March 24, 1843.