Chap. 24.—An ACT in relation to the Testimony of Colored Persons.

Passed February 28, 1866.

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly, That colored
persons and Indians shall, if otherwise competent, and subject
to the rules applicable to other persons, be admitted as wit-
nesses In the following cases:

Ist. In all civil cases and proceedings, at law or in equity,
n which a colored person or an Indian is a party, or may be
lirectly benefitted or injured by the result.

2d. In all criminal proceedings, in which a colored person
wr an Indian is a party, or which arise out of an injury done,
ittempted or threatened to the person, property or rights of
-colored person or Indian, or in which it is alleged in the
resentment, information or indictment, or in which the court
: of opmion, from the other evidence, that there is probable
ause to believe that the offence was committed by a white
erson, In conjunction or co-operation with a colored person
r Indian.

3d. The testimony of colored persons shall, in all cases
and proceedings, both at law and in equity, be given ore
tenus, and not by deposition; and in suits in equity, and in
all other cases in which the deposition of the witness would
regularly be part of the record, the court shall, if desired by
any party, or if deemed proper by itself, certify the facts
proved by such witness, or the evidence given by him, as far
as credited by the court, as the one or the other may be
proper under the rules of law applicable to the case; and
such certificate shal] be made part of the record.
2. This act shall be in force from its passage.

Chap. 24.—An ACT in relation to the Testimony of Colored Persons.

Passed February 28, 1866.

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly, That colored
persons and Indians shall, if otherwise competent, and subject
to the rules applicable to other persons, be admitted as wit-
nesses In the following cases:

Ist. In all civil cases and proceedings, at law or in equity,
n which a colored person or an Indian is a party, or may be
lirectly benefitted or injured by the result.

2d. In all criminal proceedings, in which a colored person
wr an Indian is a party, or which arise out of an injury done,
ittempted or threatened to the person, property or rights of
-colored person or Indian, or in which it is alleged in the
resentment, information or indictment, or in which the court
: of opmion, from the other evidence, that there is probable
ause to believe that the offence was committed by a white
erson, In conjunction or co-operation with a colored person
r Indian.

3d. The testimony of colored persons shall, in all cases
and proceedings, both at law and in equity, be given ore
tenus, and not by deposition; and in suits in equity, and in
all other cases in which the deposition of the witness would
regularly be part of the record, the court shall, if desired by
any party, or if deemed proper by itself, certify the facts
proved by such witness, or the evidence given by him, as far
as credited by the court, as the one or the other may be
proper under the rules of law applicable to the case; and
such certificate shal] be made part of the record.
2. This act shall be in force from its passage.