An Act to Prevent Popery within this Province, in Votes and Proceedings of the Lower House of Assembly of the Province of Maryland (22 May, 1756)
Abstract
"And be it further Enacted, That all such Armour, Gunpowder, and Ammunition, of whatsoever Kinds, as any Papist whatever, within this Province, hath or shall have in his House or Houses, or elsewhere, or in the Hands and Possession of any other Person at his or their Disposition, shall be taken from such Papist, or Others, which have or shall have the same to the Use of such Papist, by Warrant of any Four Justices of the Peace of the County where such Papist shall be Resident (other than such necessary Weapons as shall be thought fit by the same Justices to remain and be allowed for the Defence of the Person or Persons of such Papists, or for the Defence of his, her or their Houses
Summary
This provision authorizes the seizure of all firearms and ammunition from Catholics (or “reputed Papists”) in the province by warrant from a justice of the peace, with the seized arms held in official custody. It also requires disclosure of any such weapons, and imposes forfeiture and up to three months’ imprisonment without bail for refusing to comply or reveal them.
Law Text
And be it further Enacted that all Arms Gunpowder and Ammunition of what kind soever any Papist or reputed Papist within this Province hath or shall have in his House or Houses or elsewhere shall be taken from Such Papist or reputed Papist by Warrant under the hand of one Justice of the Peace for the County wherein such Papist or reputed Papist shall be Resident and that the said Arms and Ammunition so taken Shall be kept in Such Place as the Said Justice shall appoint.
And be it further Enacted that if any Such Papist or reputed Papist having or which Shall have any Armes Gunpowder and Ammunition or any of them shall refuse to declare or manifest the Same to the Said Justice of the Peace or to any other Person Authorized by the Warrant of the Said Justice to take and Seize the same then every Such Person so Offending shall forfeit and lose the Said Armour Gunpowder and Ammunition and Shall also be imprisoned by Warrant of or from the Said Justice for the Space of three Months without Bail or Mainprize.
Description
Categories
RELIGIOUS RESTRICTION