United States ex rel. Murphy v. Porter facts for kids

United States ex rel. Murphy v. Porter was an important court case from October 1861. It was decided by the United States Circuit Court for the District of Columbia. This case happened during the American Civil War, a time when the country was divided. It showed a big disagreement between the President and the courts.

What Happened in the Murphy v. Porter Case?

This case started when a man named John Murphy wanted his son released from the United States Army. His son was serving during the Civil War, but Murphy said he was too young to be in the army. Murphy asked the court to issue a special order called a habeas corpus writ. This order would have required the army to bring his son to court to explain why he was being held.

At this time, the right to habeas corpus had been temporarily stopped in the District of Columbia. This meant it was harder for people to challenge their arrests in court.

How Did General Porter React to the Court Order?

The court order was meant for General Andrew Porter. But when Murphy's lawyer tried to give the order to General Porter, the General had the lawyer arrested! General Porter also put Judge William Matthew Merrick under house arrest. This was done to stop the judge from continuing with the case.

How Did Other Judges Respond?

The other judges on the court were very upset. They ordered General Porter to come to court and explain his actions. However, President Abraham Lincoln stepped in. He stopped the marshals from delivering the court's order to General Porter.

John Hay, who was President Lincoln's personal secretary, wrote about this in his diary. He said that a marshal asked him and Secretary of State William H. Seward what to do. Seward replied that the President "forbids you to serve any process upon any officer here." Hay confirmed that these were Lincoln's exact words.

The court felt that stopping their legal process was against the Constitution. They pointed out that President Lincoln had not declared martial law, which is when the military takes control. Even though they knew the President could declare martial law, he hadn't. The judges realized they could not force their orders to be followed.

What Happened After the Case?

On March 3, 1863, the United States Congress made a big change. They got rid of the old circuit court, district court, and criminal court in the District of Columbia. In their place, they created a new court called the Supreme Court of the District of Columbia.

This change meant that the judges who had ruled against the government in the Murphy v. Porter case were removed from their positions.

Why Was the Court Reorganized?

People who were against this reorganization said it was done just to remove those specific judges. They argued that the new court had all the same powers as the old ones. Supporters of the change disagreed.

However, Senator Henry Wilson, a supporter, said he didn't trust the current judges. He specifically mentioned Judge Merrick, saying, "I believe his heart is sweltering with treason." Senator Wilson also claimed that Judge Merrick's home was a meeting place for people who supported those against the Union.