May 23, 1844

Carthage, Illinois
State v. Smith: A grand jury indicted Joseph Smith for adultery and fornication with Maria Lawrence "and other diverse women," based on William and Wilson Law's testimony. Joseph Smith considered suing him for perjury and slander on behalf of Maria Lawrence. Dropped the following day when the state's attorney pro-tem indicated that he would not prosecute the indictment.
Sources: 
Sustaining the Law: Joseph Smith's Legal Encounters, Gordon A. Madsen, Jeffrey N. Walker, and John W. Welch, 
Winter Quarters

Read peer-reviewed articles about Joseph Smith and other Church history topics from BYU Studies. Visit byustudies.byu.edu.