United States v. Wilson
| United States v. Wilson | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Argued January 18, 1833 Decided January 26, 1833 | |
| Full case name | United States v. George Wilson |
| Citations | 32 U.S. 150 (more) |
| Holding | |
| A pardon cannot be recognized by a judge if it has not been brought judicially before the court by plea, motion, or otherwise. | |
| Court membership | |
| |
| Case opinion | |
| Majority | Marshall, joined by unanimous |
United States v. Wilson, 32 U.S. (7 Pet.) 150 (1833), was a case in the United States in which the defendant, George Wilson, was convicted of robbing the US Mail in Pennsylvania and sentenced to death.[1] Due to his friends' influence, Wilson was pardoned by Andrew Jackson. Wilson, however, refused the pardon. The Supreme Court was thus asked to rule on the case.[1]
The decision was that if the prisoner does not accept the pardon, it is not in effect: "A pardon is a deed, to the validity of which delivery is essential, and delivery is not complete without acceptance. It may then be rejected by the person to whom it is tendered; and if it is rejected, we have discovered no power in this court to force it upon him."[2]
The fate of Wilson is unknown.[3]
References
- ^ a b Bohm, Robert M., DeathQuest: An Introduction to the Theory and Practice of Capital Punishment in the United States, p25
- ^ http://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/documents/a2_2_1s29.html
- ^ Thompson, Austin (5 June 2018). "Can a Person Refuse a Presidential Pardon?". Mental Floss. Retrieved 5 August 2018.
External links
- Text of United States v. Wilson, 32 U.S. (7 Pet.) 150 (1833) is available from: CourtListener Justia OpenJurist
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