The United States vs. Philip K Sweet GR. No.

448 September 20, 1901

Facts:
Philip K Sweet, an employee of the United States military authorities of the Philippines, assaulted a
prisoner of war for which he was charged with the crime of physical Injuries.

Issue:
Whether or not the case can be prosecuted under our civil courts.

Ruling:
Yes. Our civil courts will be able to prosecute the case against Sweet. The fact that the actions
alleged in the complaint would constitute a crime under Spanish military law does not make them
any less of a crime under the Penal Code provision that makes them liable in civil courts.
Additionally, the accused person's military background at the time of the alleged crime does not
exempt him from the civil tribunals' regular jurisdiction.