In re Grimley - 137 U.S. 147 (1890)

U.S. Supreme Court

In re Grimley, 137 U.S. 147 (1890)

In re Grimley

No. 761

Submitted October 21, 1890

Decided November 17, 1890

137 U.S. 147

APPEAL FROM THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE UNITED

STATES FOR THE DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS

Syllabus

Civil courts may inquire, under a writ of habeas corpus, into the jurisdiction of the court over the party condemned, but cannot inquire into or correct errors in its proceedings.

An enlistment is a contract between the soldier and the government which involves, like marriage, a change in his status which cannot be thrown off by him at his will, although he may violate his contract.