An Ordinance to Prevent Shooting With Guns, or Other Fire-Arms, Georgetown Ordinances (1811)
Abstract
"[I]t shall not be lawful for any person to shoot with any gun, or other fire-arm, within any of the inhabited parts of Georgetown or its additions; and if any person shall, contrary to this ordinance, shoot any gun or other fire-arm, such person shall forfeit and pay five dollars for every offence, to be recovered as other fines are now by law recoverable, the one half to the use of the Corporation, and the other half to the use of the informer."
Summary
The ordinance bans firing guns within inhabited areas of Georgetown starting November 1, imposing a $5 fine per violation, split between the city and the informer. If an enslaved or indentured person commits the offense, they face up to ten lashes unless their owner pays a $2 fine plus costs instead.
Law Text
Be it ordained by the Mayor, Alderman, and the Common Council of the Corporation of Georgetown, That from the first day of November next, it shall not be lawful for any person to shoot with any gun, or other fire-arm, within any of the inhabited parts of Georgetown or its additions; and if any person shall, contrary to this ordinance, shoot any gun or other fire-arm, such person shall forfeit and pay five dollars for every offence, to be recovered as other fines are now by law recoverable, the one half to the use of the Corporation, and the other half to the use of the informer. II. And it be further ordained, That, should any slave or indented servant be guilty of any offence as above mentioned, such slave or indented servants shall be punished by lashes, not exceeding ten, unless the owner or owners of such slave or indented servant, shall pay the fine of two dollars, with costs, which is hereby imposed for every such offence.
Description
Categories
DISCHARGE, ENSLAVED PERSONS & OTHER MINORITIES