The 1950's
Watkins V.S United States
Who was involved?
John Watkins
Chief Justice Earl Warren
House of Representatives
What was the case about?
John Watkins was convicted for refusing to answer questions of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) about people he believed were no longer members of the Communist Party. He asked the Supreme Court to review his conviction after it was affirmed by the Court of Appeals.
What year did it take place?
1957
Constitutional Issue Involved
Did the actions of the Un-American Activities Committee demonstrate the unconstitutional practice given to Congress.
Supreme Court Ruling:
Supreme court ruled, that Watkins was not given a fair opportunity. To determined if he could lawfully refuse to answer questions. To prove his conviction for "contempt of congress" was invalid was under the 5th amendment due process clause.
Watkins V. United States