Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime of which the party has been duly convicted, shall exist in the United States.
Decisions and events within six years of ratification.
1861
At the start of the Civil War, President Lincoln authorizes military commanders to suspend the writ along the rail line between Philadelphia and Washington. Chief Justice Taney, sitting as a circuit judge in Ex parte Merryman, rules that only Congress may suspend it. Congress authorizes suspension in March 1863.
Source: Federal Judicial Center
1863
President Lincoln declares that enslaved people in areas still in rebellion “are, and henceforward shall be free,” as a war measure under his authority as commander in chief.
Source: National Archives
1866
No. Military trial of civilians is unconstitutional where the civil courts are open and functioning, even in wartime.
Source: Opinion of the Court
1866
Passed over President Andrew Johnson’s veto. Declares people born in the United States to be citizens and guarantees equal rights to make contracts, sue, and hold property.
Source: U.S. House of Representatives
1868
The first impeachment of a President, chiefly over his removal of the Secretary of War in alleged violation of the Tenure of Office Act. The Senate acquits by one vote short of the two-thirds needed to convict.
Source: U.S. Senate
1871
The third of the Enforcement Acts lets the President use the military and suspend habeas corpus to suppress conspiracies that deprive citizens of equal protection, and creates a federal cause of action for deprivation of constitutional rights.
Source: U.S. Senate