Lambdin P. Milligan

Released
Date of birth:24. 03. 1812
Date of death:1899
Age:86† Deceased
Gender:Male
Race:White
Era:1800s
State:Indiana
Time Imprisoned:
1 Year 4 Months 0 Days
Support
Anti-War
Lambdin P. Milligan

Biography

Lambdin P. Milligan was an Indiana lawyer and Copperhead Democrat who in October 1864 was arrested by Union military authorities at his home in Huntington County, Indiana, and tried by military commission for conspiracy against the U.S. government in connection with the Sons of Liberty plot. Sentenced to hang. President Andrew Johnson commuted the sentence to life imprisonment in May 1865. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled unanimously in Ex parte Milligan (April 3, 1866) that civilians could not be tried by military tribunals where civilian courts were open and functioning, voiding his conviction. He was released April 10, 1866 and lived another 33 years.

Case

Indianapolis Federal Military Prison
Charges: Conspiracy against the U.S. government, affording aid and comfort to rebels, inciting insurrection, disloyal practices, and violation of the laws of war — tried by military commission rather than civil court despite the courts being open.
Arrested: Oct 5, 1864
Sentenced: Dec 10, 1864
Incarcerated: Dec 10, 1864
Released: Apr 10, 1866
Sentence: Sentenced to hang; commuted to life imprisonment by President Andrew Johnson, May 1865. Released after Ex parte Milligan, 71 U.S. (4 Wall.) 2 (1866), held the military trial unconstitutional. Verdict as recorded: Yes — military commission verdict (later voided by the U.S. Supreme Court)
Convicted: Yes
Institution State: Indiana

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