It was the law during Lincoln's presidency and he chose to ignore it and his duty. You can't put a perspective on it 70 years later. Lincoln had the right to request review en banc by the Supreme Court after the Ex Parte Merryman decision was released, he didn't do that, the decision became the law of the land and he was duty bound to obey it. He did not do so. There is no defense. To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html