US vs.

SWEET
GR No. 448
9/20/1901
Justice Ladd

Facts:
Sweet was employed by the United States military who committed an offense against a POW. His
case is filed with the Court of First Instance (CFI), who is given original jurisdiction in all criminal
cases for which a penalty of more than 6 months is imposed. He is now contending that the courts are
without jurisdiction because he was ―acting in the line of duty.

Issues
Whether or not the military character sustained by the person charged with the offence at the time of
its commission exempts him from the ordinary jurisdiction of the civil tribunals?

Held
No.

Ratio
The application of the general principle that the jurisdiction of the civil tribunals is unaffected by the
military or other special character brought before them for trial (R.A. No. 7055). Appellant claims
that the act was service connected. If this were true, it may be used as a defense but this cannot affect
the right of the Civil Court to takes jurisdiction of the case.