Martin v. Mott
"Martin v. Mott" is a significant Supreme Court case decided in the context of the War of 1812, centering on the authority of the President and the state militia. The case involved Jacob Mott, who refused to comply with an order from the governor of New York to assemble for military duty when President James Madison called the state militia into action. Following his conviction and the seizure of his property, Mott appealed, initially finding support in the state court. However, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the federal government, establishing that Congress holds the constitutional power to authorize the President's actions regarding the militia. Justice Joseph Story wrote the unanimous decision, emphasizing that the President has the ultimate authority to determine when to invoke such statutes. This ruling clarified the scope of presidential powers, particularly in relation to state authority during times of war. The case highlights the complexities of military obligation and the balance of power between state and federal governments in American law.
Martin v. Mott
Date: February 2, 1827
Citation: 25 U.S. 19
Issue: Presidential powers
Significance: The Supreme Court, in the first of a long series of cases, granted the president broad powers to deal with war and foreign affairs.
When President James Madison called out the state militia in the War of 1812, Jacob Mott refused an order issued by his state’s governor to assemble for duty. Duly convicted, he appealed the penalty, which was the seizure of his property. The state court initially held for Mott, but the Supreme Court found the Constitution gave Congress the power to authorize the statute under which the president acted and that the president was the sole authority as to whether the terms of the statute required his action. Justice Joseph Story wrote the unanimous decision for the seven-member Court.
