by Bruce A. Ragsdale, Director, Federal Judicial History Office, Federal Judicial Center
Learn about the case — historical background and documents
Download a PDF of the Historical Background and Documents
Ex parte Merryman: A Short Narrative
The Courts and their Jurisdiction
The Judicial Process: A Chronology
Legal Questions Before the Court
Legal Arguments in Court
Biographies
Media Coverage and Public Debates
Historical Documents
Bibliography and Resources
Ex parte Merryman and Debates on Civil Liberties During the Civil War