Ex Parte Royall

117 U.S. 241 (1886)

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Ex Parte Royall

United States Supreme Court
117 U.S. 241 (1886)

  • Written by Arlyn Katen, JD

Facts

A Virginia grand jury indicted William Royall (defendant) for selling past-due bond coupons without a license. After his arrest, but before trial, Royall filed two petitions for writs of habeas corpus in federal district court, arguing that the laws holding him were null and void and violated the United States Constitution. The district court dismissed these petitions, finding that it did not have jurisdiction to dismiss Royall’s state prosecution. The United States Supreme Court reviewed Royall’s case to considered whether the federal courts could exercise jurisdiction over Royall’s habeas petition if Royall was held in custody in violation of the United States Constitution but was still awaiting a state trial process.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Harlan, J.)

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