The King v. Philip Henry Rapp
Court: Supreme Court of the United States; April 1, 1764; Federal Supreme Court; Federal Appellate Court
Indictment for misdemeanor against Philip Henry Rapp for marrying a woman who already had a husband. The defendant requested a trial postponement due to the absence of material witnesses, asserting he had taken steps to secure their presence. The Attorney General opposed the motion, arguing that this was a criminal case and did not fall under civil case rules. The Court granted the postponement, noting the defendant's status as a clergyman and the potential impact on his livelihood if convicted. However, the Court clarified that this decision should not be treated as a precedent. Referencing *Rex versus D'Eon*, the Court emphasized that trials, whether criminal or civil, should not be expedited to the detriment of the defendant's rights.