G.R. No. L-507, November 5, 1901
In the matter of the petition of A.O. Brooks for a writ of habeas corpus.

FACTS:
A.O. Brooks, a former soldier, had obtained his absolute discharge from the military. Following his discharge, he entered into a contract to render services in a civil capacity as an employee for the Army. The government admitted that his absolute discharge contained no condition requiring him to serve the Army in such a capacity. Brooks was subsequently detained, prompting him to file a petition for a writ of habeas corpus.

ISSUE:
Whether the Army can compel A.O. Brooks, a civilian under a civil contract of employment, to fulfill his obligations through imprisonment and deportation.

RULING:
No. The Supreme Court granted the writ and ordered the release of A.O. Brooks. The Court held that an absolute discharge from military service dissolves all legal bonds to the Army. Thereafter, the discharged individual is a private person, entitled to the rights and subject only to the obligations of an ordinary civilian. Any contract for services entered into with the Army after discharge is a civil contract. No law, civil or military, authorizes the compulsion of a private person to fulfill such a contractual obligation through means of imprisonment and deportation. Therefore, Brooks’ detention was unlawful.