Lyon's Case

15 F. Cas. 1183 (1798)

Purchase the Printed Copy at bsmsphd.com

Nature of the Case

To access this section all you need to do is click here and register.

Facts

D drafted a document that criticized the government. He also published a letter from a French diplomat, which criticized the government. D was charged with violation of the Alien and Sedition Act and also aiding and abetting in the publication of the French diplomat’s letter. D claimed in part that the court did not have jurisdiction and he could not be prosecuted because the claimed actions were not crimes and that the documents published were, in fact, true. Before the judge where the jury instructions and also D’s sentencing.