US Presidency
1867

To a casual reader of the bill it might seem that some kind of trial was secured by it to persons accused of crime, but such is not the case. The officer may allow local civil tribunals to try offenders, but of course this does not require that he shall do so. If any State or Federal court presumes to exercise its legal jurisdiction by the trial of a malefactor without his special permission, he can break it up and punish the judges and jurors as being themselves malefactors. He can save his friends from justice, and despoil his enemies contrary to justice. It is also provided that he shall have power to organize military commissions or tribunals; but this power he is not commanded to exercise. It is merely permissive, and is to be used only when in his judgment it may be necessary for the trial of offenders.