STANDING BEAR WAS ARRESTED FOR TRYING TO GO HOME – THEN HIS CASE FORCED A U.S. COURT TO DECIDE IF A NATIVE MAN WAS A “PERSON”

A Native man could ask a federal judge why he was in custody.

That principle sounds basic now.

In 1879, it was important enough to require a landmark case.

THE GOVERNMENT COULD NOT SIMPLY ERASE THE DECISION BY APPEALING IT

After Dundy ruled for Standing Bear, the federal government sought to challenge the outcome.

The National Park Service notes that the government attempted to appeal, but the Supreme Court did not take the case.