Bond v. Floyd
United States Supreme Court
385 U.S. 116 (1966)
- Written by Rich Walter, JD
Facts
Voters duly elected Black activist Julian Bond (plaintiff) to represent their predominantly Black district in the Georgia House of Representatives. In the interim between the election and the legislative swearing-in ceremony, Bond endorsed a statement opposing the Vietnam War, advocating Black civil rights, and expressing sympathy and support for men who were reluctant to be drafted for military service in Vietnam. Although Georgia representatives thought such statements might be permissible if made by a private citizen, the representatives believed they were constitutionally justified in exacting a higher standard of loyalty from a legislator like Bond. The representatives concluded that Bond’s endorsement demonstrated disloyalty and advocated draft-law violations. After the house clerk refused to administer Bond’s oath of office, Bond sued house speaker James “Sloppy” Floyd and other house officials (defendants) for violating Bond’s First Amendment right to free expression. The federal district court rejected Bond’s suit. Bond appealed directly to the United States Supreme Court.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Warren, C.J.)
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