"Dead to Rights" Origin

Posted by Vinod on December 05, 2002

In Reply to: "Dead to Rights" posted by James Briggs on December 04, 2002

: : Hello, I was just wondering whether any one might know the meaning and origin of the phrase "dead to rights". Thanks in advance for any information.

: Type 'rights' into the search box at the top for previous discussions about the phrase.

Thanks very much; I did as you suggested and found the meaning of the term, but unfortunately not the origin. Any information in this regard would so be greatly appreciated. Thanks again.