Facts of the Case
The USS Boston captured the Danish ship the Flying-Fish, which was then held in the Port of Boston. The Flying-Fish, which had left the French-controlled Haitian port of Jeremie, was suspected of being an American ship in violation of the United States' embargo on France. In the embargoes, the President was given the power to instruct the Navy to stop any American ships suspected to be en route to a French port. President John Adams, meanwhile, had issued a letter to the Secretary of the Navy to stop all American ships and ships suspected of being American travelling both to and from French-controlled ports. The federal district court judge freed the Flying-Fish, but did not award damages for its illegal capture. The United States Circuit Court of Appeals reversed and held that George Little, the captain of the Boston should pay damages.
Questions
Did the President have the authority to issue the order to capture ships travelling from French ports?
Conclusions
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No. In a unanimous decision, the Court affirmed the Court of Appeals. In the opinion, written by Chief Justice John Marshall, the Court held the President did not have "any special authority" to order the seizure of non-American ships and ships departing French ports. Even if the Flying-Fish had been an American ship, it still would not have been subject to seizure. Since Little had illegally seized the ship, he was also liable for damages.
Separation of Powers and Foreign Policy
Federalism & Separation of Powers Practice Group Newsletter - Volume 3, Issue 3, Winter 2000
Following are excerpts from a panel discussion entitled "Separation of Powers and Foreign Policy" which...