American jurist, born in South Carolina in 1765. He began the practice of law in his native State, but removed to Louisiana after its purchase by the United States in 1804, and was appointed district judge of Orleans Territory in 1809, holding the office till 1812, when Louisiana was admitted into the Union, when he became one of the United States judges. He had a serious disagreement with General Andrew Jackson when the latter ordered the city of New Orleans to be placed in a state of siege previous to the battle of New Orleans. Judge Hall having granted a writ of habeas corpus for the release of a member of the legislature arrested by the commanding general, Jackson refused to recognize the judge’s authority, and had him arrested for violating martial law. As soon as he was released, Judge Hall called General Jackson to account for contempt of court, and sentenced him to pay a fine of one thousand dollars. The money was paid at once, but afterward was refunded by Congress. Judge Hall remained in the United States court till his death, which occurred in New Orleans on the 12th of December 1820.
