The Habeas Corpus Protection of Joseph Smith from Missouri Arrest Requisitions

by A. Keith Thompson

Overview

Abstract: This is the first of two articles discussing Missouri's requisitions to extradite Joseph Smith to face criminal charges and the Prophet's recourse to English habeas corpus practice to defend himself. In this article, the author presents research rejecting the suggestion that the habeas corpus powers of the Nauvoo City Council were irregular and explains why the idea that the Nauvoo Municipal Court lacked jurisdiction to consider interstate habeas corpus matters is anachronistic. In the second article, the author analyzes the conduct of Missouri Governor Thomas Reynolds in relation to the requisitions for Joseph Smith's extradition. Even by the standards of the day, given what he knew, his conduct was unethical.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940161875728
Publisher:	Interpreter Foundation
Publication date:	08/09/2018
Series:	Interpreter: A Journal of Mormon Scripture , #29
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	337 KB

About the Author

A. Keith Thompson, LLB (Hons); M Jur; PhD is an associate professor and the associate dean at the University of Notre Dame Australia School of Law, Sydney. He also practices commercial and property law in New South Wales and Victoria, Australia. He formerly served 20 years as International Legal Counsel for the Church in the Pacific and Africa Areas and has also served in the Church as bishop, stake president, and mission president. He and his wife, Anita, have eight children and twelve grandchildren.