United States v. Johnson (1968)
United States v. Johnson | |
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Court membership | |
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Case opinions | |
Majority | Douglas, joined by Warren, Brennan, White, Fortas |
Dissent | Stewart, joined by Black, Harlan |
Marshall took no part in the consideration or decision of the case. | |
Laws applied | |
Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 |
United States v. Johnson, 390 U.S. 563 (1968), was a United States Supreme Court case.
Background
Opinion of the Court
Justice Douglas reversed for a 5-3 majority. He held that the provisions of 207(b) of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 making the remedies provided in Title II of the Act the exclusive means of enforcing rights based on such part do not preclude a criminal prosecution of the defendants under 18 USC 241, since the exclusive-remedy provision applies only to enforcement of substantive rights to public accommodations against proprietors and owners, and does not purport to deal with outsiders who use violence against those who assert their rights under the Act.
Dissent
Justice Stewart dissented on the ground that the plain language of the exclusive remedies clause clearly precludes a criminal prosecution for interfering with rights secured by Title II of the Act.
External links
- Text of United States v. Johnson, 390 U.S. 563 (1968) is available from: Justia Library of Congress Oyez (oral argument audio)