THE

PUBLIC GENERAL LAW

OF

MARYLAND.

MAY, 1692.— CHAPTER 16.

AH ACT for punishment of persons suborning of witnesses, or committing

wilful and corrupt perjury.

N. B. This law is declared to remain and be in full force by 1705, ch. 8.

WHEREAS several persons, void of grace, and the dread of

Preamble.

the Almighty, have, and do still continue, for small profits

accruing to themselves, to commit wilful and corrupt perjury,

or cause or procure the same to be committed, either out of a

design for the reasons and purposes aforesaid, or merely to

revenge an imaginary injury done them, to the great prejudice

of divers of their majesties loyal subjects, inhabiting within

this province : And forasmuch as the laws for this province

heretofore made, for the prevention of the like mischiefs and

inconveniences, have, upon a mature and deliberate considera-

tion, by this present general assembly, been found altogether

inconsistent with the constitution of this province, or the laws

of England, in such cases made and provided:

SEC. 2. Be it therefore enacted, by the King and Queen's most

Penalty for

excellent majesties, by and with the advice and consent of f fits

corrupting

present General Assembly, and the authority of the same, That

witnenesses,
&c.

if any person or persons whatsoever, from and after the publi-

cation hereof, shall unlawfully or corruptly procure any witness

or witnesses, by letters, rewards, promises, or by any other

sinister, unlawful labour or means whatsoever, to commit any

wilful and corrupt perjury, in any matter or cause whatsoever,

now depending, or which hereafter shall depend in suit and

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