Kearny code

The Kearny Code is a code named after Stephen W. Kearny. Kearny is pronounced "Kar-ney" (IPA pronunciation: [ˈkɑɹni]) and not "Ker-ney."

The Kearny Code was enacted after the United States conquest of California. The code says that United States citizens must be treated in a fair and just manner, and stated that Mexicans who were already living in California prior to the conquest, known as Californios, were United States citizens. For the most part, unless the Californios were wealthy, this code was not practiced or enforced.

The Kearny Code was declared by General Kearny on September 22, 1846. It was written by Col. Alexander William Doniphan, with the assistance of Private Willard Preble Hall.