United States v. Vigol
Pennsylvania District Circuit Court
2 U.S. 346 (1795)

- Written by Kelli Lanski, JD
Facts
Vigol (defendant) participated in what became known as Shay’s Rebellion, in which a number of citizens attacked the homes of excise officers, imprisoning the officers and ordering them to promise not to execute the federal excise law. In doing so, the participants destroyed property and burned down at least one officer’s house. Vigol was indicted for high treason. The evidence at trial reflected that Vigol was an active and zealous participant in the rebellion. However, his counsel suggested that he committed the crime under duress.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Patterson, J.)
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