UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT DECISIONS ON-LINE
MATTERS V. RYAN, 249 U. S. 375 (1919)
249 U. S. 375U.S. Supreme Court
Matters v. Ryan, 249 U.S. 375 (1919)
Matters v. Ryan
No. 141
Submitted January 16, 1919
Decided April 14, 1919
249 U.S. 375
Syllabus
The district court has no jurisdiction in habeas corpus to determine and award the custody of an infant at the suit of an alien against a citizen of the forum when the only substantial question is which of the parties is the mother. P. 249 U. S. 377.
The claim that such a case arises under a law of the United States because the infant was imported by the respondent in violation of the immigration laws is frivolous. Id.
Quaere whether diversity of citizenship with an averment of pecuniary interest could confer jurisdiction on a federal court in habeas corpus. P. 249 U. S. 378.
Reversed. clubjuris
The case is stated in the opinion.