McGrain v. Daugherty
United States Supreme Court
273 U.S. 135 (1927)
Relevant factsFree
A Senate Committee investigating whether the Department of Justice and Attorney General were properly performing their duties subpoenaed a witness who refused to comply and was arrested; he filed a habeas corpus petition, arguing the Senate lacked constitutional authority to investigate executive-branch activities or compel his testimony. The lower court granted the habeas petition, and the Committee appealed.
IssueFree
Whether Congress has the power to investigate and compel testimony as part of its legislative function.