Respublica v. de Longchamps

Court of Oyer and Terminer at Philadelphia

1 U.S. (1 Dall.) 111 (1784)

Relevant factsFree

Charles Julian de Longchamps (defendant) insulted and threatened the French consul-general in the consulate and later struck the consul-general's cane on a public street in Philadelphia. The United States (plaintiff) charged de Longchamps with assault and battery, and a jury convicted him. The French Minister requested that de Longchamps be handed over to France for sentencing, or held in prison until the King of France was satisfied.

IssueFree

Whether the law of nations is incorporated into the common law in the United States.

Holding & reasoning

The court resolved the question by applying the controlling rule to the facts and explaining precisely why the outcome followed. Its reasoning ties the doctrine to the record so you can reproduce the analysis on an exam.

Procedural history, concurrence & dissent

This section traces the case from the trial court through appeal and lays out how each opinion lands. Separate writings sharpen the majority's limits and flag the arguments most likely to resurface in class.

Unlock the full brief

Free accounts read 20 full briefs. No card required.

Start free Log in