Screws v. United States facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Screws v. United States |
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| Argued October 20, 1944 Decided May 7, 1945 |
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| Full case name | Mack Claude Screws v. United States |
| Citations | 325 U.S. 91 (more)
65 S. Ct. 1031; 89 L. Ed. 2d 1495
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| Prior history | 140 F.2d 662 (5th Cir. 1944). |
| Procedural history | Cert. granted, 322 U.S. 718 (1944). |
| Holding | |
| In general, a conviction under 18 U.S.C. §242 requires proof of the defendant's specific intent to deprive the victim of a federal right. In Screws, the prosecution has failed to prove such deliberate intent. | |
| Court membership | |
| Case opinions | |
| Plurality | Douglas, joined by Stone, Black, Reed |
| Concurrence | Rutledge |
| Dissent | Murphy |
| Dissent | Roberts, joined by Frankfurter, Jackson |
Screws v. United States was an important Supreme Court case from 1945. It made it harder for the United States government to charge local officials when they caused the death of African Americans outside of legal procedures. This case is also known as the Screws precedent.
Contents
What Happened in the Case?
The Arrest and Death
The story began on January 29, 1943, in Baker County, Georgia. Claude Screws was the sheriff there. He arrested Robert "Bobby" Hall, an African American man. Hall was accused of stealing a tire.
During the arrest, it was claimed that Hall tried to fight back against Sheriff Screws and two of his deputies. After the arrest, Sheriff Screws caused Hall's death.
Legal Action Begins
A local U.S. attorney then started a legal process. A group of citizens, called a grand jury, decided there was enough evidence. They charged Sheriff Screws with violating Hall's civil rights.
Sheriff Screws was found guilty in a federal court in Albany, Georgia. This decision was then supported by a higher court, the Circuit Court. Screws then asked the highest court, the Supreme Court, to review his case. Even while the case was going through the courts, Screws was reelected as sheriff by many voters.
The Supreme Court's Decision
The Ruling
The Supreme Court heard the case and made a decision on May 7, 1945. Justice William O. Douglas wrote the main opinion for the Court. The Court decided that the federal government had not proven something very important. They had not shown that Sheriff Screws intended to take away Hall's civil rights when he caused his death.
Impact of the Decision
This ruling by the Supreme Court had a big effect. It made it much more difficult for the federal government to bring similar civil rights cases for several years after 1945.
