The jurisdiction for the trial of these causes would be the Circuit Court for the counties, that being the lowest court of general jurisdiction within the VA system, however those crimes might be first legally noticed and arise through affidavits or warrants sworn to/issued by magistrates, including the JPs.  The Sheriff or a Constable could arrest the perpetrator, and most anybody having knowledge/evidence satisfactory to the magistrate could there seek a warrant for the arrest of the thief at that lowest level.  Of course, the Crown Attorney could also do so, given adequate evidence presented to him, as could the Grand Jury.  

If you stole a horse, the county was filled to the brim with those who could and would bring charges.  It was said that, "The law has devices to deal with cheats of the newest invention."    Paul         
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Janet Hunter 
  To: [log in to unmask] 
  Sent: Friday, February 20, 2004 12:39 PM
  Subject: Which Court Tried Horse Thieves 1780-1790s?


  Hello Everyone,

  Another researcher is trying to follow-up on two horse thief cases involving a
  Jonas Jordan in 1786 and 1795-6 in Franklin and Bedford Counties VA
  respectively.

  A question has arisen as to in which court(s) would these cases have been
  tried?  Would they have gone to the capital?   If they did, would there possibly
  be further documents available at the Library of Virginia?

  Thanks in Advance,
  Janet (Baugh) Hunter

  To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at
  http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html

To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at
http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html