In re Neagle (1850)
- Docket
- 1472
- Decided
- 1850-1900-
Summary
Question: Was the state obligated to obey the writ even though no national statute empowered the Attorney General to provide judges with bodyguards? Conclusion: Yes. The Court held that the Attorney General acted appropriately since assigning Neagle as Field's bodyguard assured that the nation's laws would be faithfully executed. Furthermore, Neagle's actions were consistent with a congressional statute which provided U.S. Marshalls with "the same powers, in executing the laws" as state sheriffs and deputies (who would have been allowed to deter an attack on Field's life).