Foley v. People

Case # 11

Appellant/Plaintiff

James Foley

Appellee/Defendant

People of the State of Illinois

Appellant/Plaintiff Attorneys

  • Theophilus W. Smith, David Blackwell

Appellee/Defendant Attorneys

  • Samuel D. Lockwood

County of Origin

Madison County

Justice

Justice Thomas Reynolds Justice John Reynolds

Terms of Court

December 1822

Type of Case

Larceny

Disposition

Question answered

Citation

1 Ill 57

Case Summary

Foley was found guilty of larceny at a special term of the circuit court and appealed the decision to the Illinois Supreme Court, which scrutinized Foley's conviction. The main issue was jurisdiction, contested based on a statute's interpretation. Despite arguments for broad interpretation, the court found the statute's language clear and strict. Larceny, not being a capital offense, falls under bail provisions per the state constitution. The Supreme Court concluded that the court below lacked jurisdiction, refraining from reversing but offering guidance for future clarity.

Illinois Reports File