Reading questions for Monday, September 10

Ex parte Merryman

1.  According to Chief Justice Taney, does the President have the constitutional authority to suspend the writ of habeas corpus?  Why or why not?
2.  What does Taney mean when he says “the government of the United States is one of delegated and limited powers”? 
3.  What does Taney say a military officer should do with information that a prisoner has committed an offense? 
4. When Taney says “[my judicial] power has been resisted by a force too strong to overcome,” what is he referring to? 

Ex parte Vallandigham

1.  What were the specific charges lodged against Vallandigham?
2.  What are the two kinds of military jurisdiction and where are charges brought? 
3. Why does the court refuse to review the case (e.g. deny the writ of certiorari)