In 1818, Joseph Kerr was elected as one of three members of Ross County to the Ohio House of Representatives. He did not, however, arrive for the start of the session on 7 December, because he was under a capias ad satisfaciendum, which in normal English, means he owed someone money and was in debtor’s prison.

But, on December 15, the House decided they had had enough of waiting around for Kerr to show up, noting “this house are of opinion, that it is the constitutional right of the people to have a fall (sic) expression in this house, and that it is not only the constitutional right of this house, but an imperious duty, to compel the attendance of all its members, therefore. Resolved. That the speaker of this house, be authorized, empowered and directed, to issue his warrant, under his hand, directing the sergeant at arms to cause to be brought to this house the said Joseph Kerr, in order to his attendance on his duties as member of this general assembly.”

Fortunately for legal scholars (and unfortunately for those who love humor), the legislature voted against the measure by a total of 55 to 30.