Today in Supreme Court History: October 3

Clark v. Hancock, 94 U.S. 493 (decided October 3, 1876): Court can dismiss a non-jurisdictional case without having to wait for the return date (Waite points out that petitioner admitted there was no federal issue and relied on prior practice where one had to wait for the return date -- what was the point? what did petitioner’s attorney want? was there oral argument on such motions in those days?  he knew he would get a chilly reception -- maybe just so he could say he had been there?)

In re Disbarment of Kristan Peters-Hamlin, 137 S.Ct. 287 (decided October 3, 2016): altered deposition transcripts, copied them for use in another case in violation of confidentiality order; later appeared on CNN as “former federal prosecutor” opining on Mueller investigation