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Martin v.
Hunter’s Lessee
U.S. S. Ct.1816
Author: Sam Biers
Relevant Facts: Lord
Fairfax died in 1781 and left his property to Thomas
Martin. Virginia claimed that the property was theirs in
1777 and conveyed it to David Hunter in 1789. The District
Ct granted judgment in favor of Martin. Virginia Court of
Appeals reversed in favor of Hunter, the S. Ct. using the
Treaties of 1781 and 1794 reversed and remanded in favor of
Martin.
Legal Issue: Whether
the U.S. Supreme Ct. has absolute appellate power under the
Constitution over the individual state’s tribunals?
Holding:
The U.S. S. Ct. has absolute appellate power under the
Constitution.
Law or Rule(s):
Article III U.S. Constitution, Judiciary Act of 1789.
Procedure:
Virginia Court of Appeals refused to comply with S. Ct. decision
of 1813, issuing a writ of error before the S. Ct. again.
Court Rationale:
The U.S. Constitution expressly confers supreme judicial power
upon the S. Ct. In all cases and controversy involving
issues under the U.S. Constitution’s judicial
limitations/powers, the state courts are subservient to that end.
Plaintiff’s
Argument: Article III confers appellate power upon
the S. Ct. in order to maintain uniformity of judgments
throughout the country.
Defendant’s
Argument: The S. Ct. does not have absolute
appellate jurisdiction, over State Courts, specifically delegated
by the Constitution.
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