I have been doing a little reserach on S. P. Chase and his rulings. I have yet to find any evidence that Mr. Chase stted secession was legal. I did find that Mr. Chase's rulings do more favor a conquering government that one that represents both sides. I formed this view by reading several online sites not juts one. It is my opinion tthe site below gives the bbest descreiption of Mr. Chase's rulings.

It also appears that the acceptecd term "Civil War" for the conflict, may come from Mr. Chase's ruling. Keep in mind this is from a man who was the enmey of the Confederate States just a few years before. Fair ruling, not likely.