United States Supreme Court Cases & Opinions

U.S. Supreme Court

United States v. Lawrence, 3 U.S. 3 Dall. 42 42 (1795)

United States v. Lawrence

3 U.S. (3 Dall.) 42

MOTION TO SHOW CAUSE

Syllabus

Where a judge of the district court, acting in his judicial capacity, determined that evidence was not sufficient to authorize him to proceed in a case before him, this Court has no power to compel him to decide according to the dictates of any judgment but his own, whatever might be the difference of sentiment entertained by the court.

A motion was made by the Attorney General of the United States (Bradford) for a rule to show cause why a mandamus should not be directed to John Lawrence, Judge of the District of New York, in order to compel him to issue a warrant, for apprehending Captain Barre, commander of the frigate Le Perdrix, belonging to the French Republic.

The case was this: