Brief Fact Summary. McCardle appealed a habeas corpus action to the Supreme Court of the United States (Supreme Court) under an 1867 Congressional Act. In response, Congress passed a new Act repealing the Supreme Court’s appellate jurisdiction over this type of habeus corpus action.
Synopsis of Rule of Law. Congress has the power to limit the appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court.
And this is not less clear upon authority than upon principle.
View Full Point of LawIssue. Does Congress have the power to take away jurisdiction previously granted to the Supreme Court?
Held. Yes. Appeal dismissed for lack of jurisdiction.
The jurisdiction of the Supreme Court is conferred from the Constitution, not derived from Congress. However, Congress has the power to make exceptions and limitations to appellate jurisdiction.
Acts of Congress providing for federal jurisdiction are generally acts granting jurisdiction. They imply the negation of all such jurisdiction not provided for. The Act in this case is an exception, in that it is an appeal of previously granted appellate jurisdiction. The power of Congress to do this is expressly granted in the Constitution.
Discussion. The Congressional Act did not affect the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction over original habeas corpus actions filed with it, but only repealed it’s jurisdiction over habeas corpus appeals from Circuit Co