The Law of 1898 Against Lynching
February 3, 1894
Summary
A new lynch law that is supposed to reduce the number of lynchings faces various critiques over its ineffectiveness..
Transcription
Perhaps this is best time to call the attention of our readers to the law passed by the last Legislature in regard to Lynching.
It provides that every person, who shall conspire to break in, or shall break in jail to injure any prisoner, shall upon conviction e sent to the penitentiary for not less than two nor more than fifteen years.
When such crimes has been committed, the Solicitor must proceed to the County of the crime and begin a prompt investigation. Those accused shall be bound over to the next Superior Court of some adjoining County, and there they shall be tried. No one is excused from answering on the ground that his answer would criminate himself.
For such investigations the Solicitor shall receive $100 and that as all other cost shall be paid by the County, in which the crime occurred. If the parties are convicted, then all costs must be paid by them.
Captain E. S. Parker, our able Solicitor, writes urging the people against violence, but saving in such case he would be compelled to do his duty regardless of consequence.
It provides that every person, who shall conspire to break in, or shall break in jail to injure any prisoner, shall upon conviction e sent to the penitentiary for not less than two nor more than fifteen years.
When such crimes has been committed, the Solicitor must proceed to the County of the crime and begin a prompt investigation. Those accused shall be bound over to the next Superior Court of some adjoining County, and there they shall be tried. No one is excused from answering on the ground that his answer would criminate himself.
For such investigations the Solicitor shall receive $100 and that as all other cost shall be paid by the County, in which the crime occurred. If the parties are convicted, then all costs must be paid by them.
Captain E. S. Parker, our able Solicitor, writes urging the people against violence, but saving in such case he would be compelled to do his duty regardless of consequence.
About this article
Source
Location on Page
Upper Right Quadrant
Topic
Contributed By
Carlos Serrano
Citation
“The Law of 1898 Against Lynching,” Black Virginia: The Richmond Planet, 1894-1909, accessed May 12, 2025, https://blackvirginia.richmond.edu/items/show/1611.