Its most famous proposition was that an Indian was a “person” within the meaning of the habeas corpus law.

That finding meant Standing Bear could invoke the writ and require the government to justify his detention.

Dundy also concluded that the government had not shown lawful authority to hold Standing Bear under the circumstances presented.

Standing Bear and the members of his party were released.

The practical result was immediate.

The Army could not simply load them up and return them to Indian Territory as federal officials had planned.