Case library · Contempt of Government
The Grocery Store Firebombing
Chavis v. North Carolina (1980)
Charge: Felonious burning of a building and conspiracy to assault emergency personnelCourt: U.S. Court of Appeals, Fourth CircuitState: North CarolinaDocket: Contempt of Government
The facts
During racial unrest over school desegregation, a grocery store was firebombed and burned. Police and firefighters who came to the scene were shot at by unknown people. Ten people, including an activist, were charged with burning the store and conspiring to assault the emergency crews. The prosecution's case rested mainly on one witness who said he took part and named the others. The defence says prosecutors hid records that would have shown this witness was unreliable and blocked questions about the special treatment witnesses got for testifying.
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: Chavis v. North Carolina, 637 F.2d 213 (4th Cir. 1980)
Read more at courtlistener.com. The source reveals the outcome.