An Act for the speedy and easy Prosecution of Slaves committing Capital Crimes.

Every Slave committing such Offence, as by Law ought to be satisfied by the Death of the Offender, or Lots of Member, shall be forthwith committed to the common Goal of the Country, wherein such Offence shall be committed.

The Sheriff thereupon is to certify such Commitment with the Cause thereof to the Governour, who is thereupon desired and impowered to issue out a Commission of Oyer and Terminer, directed to such Persons of the County as he shall think fit, which Persons are forthwith to cause the Offender to be publickly indicted and arraigned at the Court-house of the said County, and to take for Evidence the Confession of the Party, or the Oath of two credible Witnesses, or of one with pregnant Circumstances, without the Solemnity of a Jury, and (the Offender being then found guilty) to pass such Judgement as the Law provides in like Crimes, and thereon to award Execution.

Provided, the Owner of the Slave may defend and argue as to Matters of Fact, but not to the Formality of the Indictment, or other Proceedings of the Court.

The Justices that fit in the Trial, shall value in Money every Slave condemned by this Act, and certify the Valuation to the next Assembly, the better to enable them to make a suitable Allowance thereupon to the Owner.