McGrain v. Daugherty

273 U.S. 135 (1927)

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McGrain v. Daugherty

United States Supreme Court
273 U.S. 135 (1927)

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Facts

A Senate Committee (Committee) undertook an investigation into the activities of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Attorney General (AG) in order to determine whether each entity was properly executing its responsibilities. As part of the investigation, the Committee issued a subpoena, compelling the testimony of a particular witness (defendant). The witness did not comply with the subpoena. He was consequently arrested, and he filed a habeas corpus petition for release, arguing that the Senate was not constitutionally empowered to carry out the investigation into executive activities or compel him to appear and testify. The lower court granted the habeas petition, and the Committee appealed.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Van Devanter, J.)

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