Supreme Court of the United States
Pennsylvania Bureau of Correction v. United States Marshals Service
November 18, 1985474 U.S. 34
Summary
The Court held that a federal district court lacks statutory authority to compel the United States Marshals Service to transport state prisoners to a federal courthouse for testimony in a §1983 action, affirming the Third Circuit. Justice Stevens dissented, arguing that historical authority permits such orders in appropriate circumstances.
Holding
- Whether a federal district court may compel the United States Marshals Service to transport state prisoners to a federal courthouse for testimony in a §1983 action.. No, a district court lacks statutory authority to order the Marshals to transport state prisoners to the federal courthouse absent an exceptional circumstance finding.
Docket 84-489
Cited authorities
- CA11
- 42 U.S.C. § 1983
- 42 U.S.C. § 1983
- 28 U.S.C. § 569
- 14 Stat. 386
- 28 U.S.C. §2243
- 28 U.S.C. § 1651
- 1 Stat. 81