Type of trial - Debate

[John E.]

Hi All,

I posted this debate topic on the ITW facebook page. I'd like to know people's opinions if they care to share.


There are many who believe the trial of the conspirators should have been conducted in a civil rather than military court. Would that same logic suggest that the military had no legal authority to hunt down John Wilkes Booth?

Should Boston Corbett have been charged with murder for killing JWB? How could the military justify using its resources to pursue the assassin if this was a police matter?

In 1865, there was no law distinguishing between killing the POTUS or anyone else. It was simple murder. Who would national detectives worked with in Virginia to pursue Booth and Herold?

Thoughts?