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Kilbourn v. Thompson

United States Supreme Court

103 U.S. 168 (1880)

Facts

Kilbourn (plaintiff) was called to testify before the United States House of Representatives (defendant). He refused to testify, and the Speaker of the House issued a warrant for his commitment to prison. Kilbourn brought suit, alleging that a body of Congress did not have the authority to hold him in contempt without due process of law.

Rule of Law

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Issue

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Holding and Reasoning (Miller, J.)

The holding and reasoning section includes:

A "yes" or "no" answer to the question framed in the issue section;
A summary of the majority or plurality opinion, using the CREAC method; and
The procedural disposition (e.g., reversed and remanded, affirmed, etc.).

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