Case library · The Red Scare
Five Questions Refused
Barenblatt v. United States (1959)
Charge: Contempt of Congress — refusing to answer questions pertinent to the inquiryCourt: U.S. Supreme CourtState: District of ColumbiaDocket: The Red Scare
The facts
A college psychology teacher was called before a congressional subcommittee looking into communism in education. He refused to answer five questions: whether he was or ever had been a party member, whether he knew another man to be one, and whether he had belonged to two student groups at his old university. He did not claim the privilege against self-incrimination. He argued instead that the committee had no business asking anyone about their beliefs and associations at all.
You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.
Citation: Barenblatt v. United States, 360 U.S. 109 (1959)
Read more at supreme.justia.com. The source reveals the outcome.