Powell v. McCormack - The Court Rulings

The district court dismissed Powell's complaint on the grounds that it had no jurisdiction to rule on the matter. The court of appeals affirmed this decision. It cited lack of jurisdiction as well, adding that the case was moot because the 90th congressional session had come and gone. It also affirmed the right of Congress to expel its members. Despite rulings by two lower courts in McCormack's favor, the Supreme Court agreed to review the case. On 16 June 1969 the Supreme Court issued its decision. By a vote of 8-1, it ruled in Powell's favor. In doing so, the Court had to address several thorny issues.