In United States constitutional law, a landmark Supreme Court case established that military tribunals cannot try civilians when civilian courts are functional. This ruling, stemming from the Civil War era, addressed the limits of presidential power and military jurisdiction during times of conflict.
The decision is significant for affirming the supremacy of civilian law and the right to due process, even during national emergencies. It reinforces the principle that fundamental constitutional protections remain in effect unless civilian courts are demonstrably unable to operate. The historical context involves concerns about the potential for abuse of power and the erosion of civil liberties under the guise of wartime necessity.
