Commonwealth v. Hunt
Massachusetts Supreme Court
45 Mass. (4 Met.) 111 (1842)
- Written by Tammy Boggs, JD
Facts
A group of journeymen (defendants) belonged to the Boston Journeyman Bootmakers Society (the society). The society essentially maintained a closed-shop policy: members agreed to adhere to the society’s pay-rate schedule and to work only for employers that hired society members. One journeyman, Jeremiah Horne, repeatedly accepted work below the society’s rate schedule and was expelled from the society. Further, Horne’s employer fired Horne to avoid a strike by the society. At Horne’s urging, the district attorney (plaintiff) charged seven members of the society with conspiracy. A jury convicted the society’s members. On appeal, an issue was raised as to whether the indictment had stated a criminal offense.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Shaw, C.J.)
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