LAIRD v. NELMS, 406 U.S. 797 (1972)[permanent dead link] LAIRD, SECRETARY OF DEFENSE, ET AL. v. NELMS ET AL. CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FOURTH CIRCUIT. No. 71-573. Argued April 17, 1972. Decided June 7, 1972. Retrieved 3 June 2009.