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Case library · The Red Scare

Five Thousand Pamphlets

Pierce v. United States (1920)

Charge: Espionage Act: conspiracy to cause insubordination and disloyalty in the forces, and making false statements to interfere with military operationsCourt: U.S. Supreme CourtState: New YorkDocket: The Red Scare

The facts

Members of a socialist local handed out about five thousand copies of a pamphlet attacking the country's entry into the war. The pamphlet said the fighting served profit and described what ordinary families were paying for it. They were charged with conspiring to cause disloyalty and refusal of duty among soldiers, and with making false statements meant to interfere with the war. They said they were passing on political argument, not lies.

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: Pierce v. United States, 252 U.S. 239 (1920)

Read more at supreme.justia.com. The source reveals the outcome.

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