United States separation of powersexecutive powerofficer liability

Little v. Barreme

Little v. Barreme, 6 U.S. (2 Cranch) 170 (1804)

JurisdictionUnited States

CourtSupreme Court of the United States

Year1804

StatusBinding authority

Key Principle

A presidential or executive order that contradicts an Act of Congress is illegal and confers no authority, so an officer who seizes property pursuant to such an order is personally liable in damages even though acting in good faith on superior orders.

Area of Law

General

Related Cases

Klein v. Martin 607 U. S. 213 (2026)

Ellingburg v. United States 607 U.S. ___ (2026)

Inc. v. Palmquist 607 U.S. 421 (2026)

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