Humphrey v. Smith, 336 U.S. 695 (1949)

Humphrey v. Smith


No. 457


Argued March 30, 1949
Decided April 25, 1949
336 U.S. 695

CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE THIRD CIRCUIT

Syllabus

1. In habeas corpus proceedings to review court-martial judgments, courts cannot pass on the guilt or innocence of persons convicted by courts-martial. P. 696.

2. Failure to conduct a pretrial investigation in the manner prescribed by the 70th Article of War does not deprive a general court-martial of jurisdiction nor subject its judgment to invalidation in a habeas corpus proceeding. Pp. 696-701.

170 F.2d 61, reversed.

In a habeas corpus proceeding challenging the validity of a conviction by a court-martial, a federal district court denied relief. 72 F.Supp. 935. The Court of Appeals reversed. 170 F.2d 61. This Court granted certiorari. 336 U.S. 908. Reversed, p. 701.