Supreme Court of the United States
Stephen v. R. Ableman, Plaintiff in Error, v. Sherman M. Booth; and the United States, Plaintiff in Error, v…
March 18, 185962 U.S. 506
Summary
The Supreme Court reversed the Wisconsin Supreme Court judgments, holding that state courts lack authority to issue writs of habeas corpus to release prisoners held under federal law, that the federal district court has exclusive jurisdiction over federal offenses, and that the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 is constitutional.
Holding
- Whether a state court may issue a writ of habeas corpus to release a prisoner held under federal authority.. State courts lack authority to issue writs of habeas corpus that interfere with the custody of a prisoner held under the authority of the United States; once a federal officer returns a proper return indicating federal custody, the state court must cease proceeding.
- Whether the Fugitive Slave Act of September 18, 1850, is constitutional.. The Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 is fully authorized by the Constitution and therefore constitutional.
- Whether the United States district court has exclusive jurisdiction over offenses arising under federal law and its judgments are unreviewable by state courts.. The District Court of the United States has exclusive jurisdiction to try and punish offenses under federal law, and its judgments cannot be re‑examined or set aside by any state tribunal.
- Whether the Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction over state court judgments involving federal constitutional or statutory rights.. The Supreme Court has appellate power in all cases arising under the Constitution and laws of the United States, including judgments of state courts, pursuant to the Judiciary Act of 1789.