Barnes v. . Harris

The principles involved in this case are too important to allow them to be disregarded, without saying a word in their defence.

It is an established rule in our law, that no court can give a valid judgment, unless it has jurisdiction of the subject matter in controversy, and has acquired jurisdiction over the person of the defendant, in the mode prescribed by law. When a court acts without jurisdiction, either as to subject or person, its proceedings are not only erroneous, but absolutely void; and may be attacked in a collateral action, as well as by way of review. The rule extends alike to…