North Carolina § 162-23 - Prevent entering jail for lynching; county liable.
Full text of North Carolina North Carolina General Statutes § 162-23 — Prevent entering jail for lynching; county liable., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 162-23. Prevent entering jail for lynching; county liable.
When the sheriff of any county has good reason to believe that the jail of his county is in danger of being broken or entered for the purpose of killing or injuring a prisoner placed by the law in his custody, it shall be his duty at once to call on the commissioners of the county, or some one of them, for a sufficient guard for the jail, and in such case, if the commissioner or commissioners fail to authorize the employment of necessary guards to protect the jail, and by reason of such failure the jail is entered and a prisoner killed, the county in whose jail the prisoner is confined shall be responsible in damages, to be recovered by the personal representatives of the prisoner thus killed, by action begun and prosecuted before the superior court of any county in this State. History (1893, c. 461, s. 7; Rev., s. 2825; C.S., s. 3945.)
Source: official North Carolina text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina § 162-23
What does North Carolina General Statutes § 162-23 cover?
Section 162-23 ("Prevent entering jail for lynching; county liable.") is part of the North Carolina General Statutes, the codified statutory law of North Carolina. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite North Carolina § 162-23?
A common citation format is "North Carolina General Statutes § 162-23" (North Carolina). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of North Carolina law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the North Carolina official source linked on this page or consult a licensed North Carolina attorney.
How does North Carolina § 162-23 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in North Carolina can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in North Carolina.