Davis v. Beason
United States Supreme Court
133 U.S. 333 (1890)

- Written by Josh Lee, JD
Facts
Samuel Davis (defendant) was a Mormon who was charged in the Territory of Idaho for conspiring with others to swear falsely to an oath required to be able to vote. The oath required the voter to swear that they were not personally practicing polygamy and were not members of an organization that advises, counsels, or encourages anyone to commit the crimes of bigamy or polygamy. Davis argued that the law infringed upon his religious beliefs and violated the First Amendment. Davis was convicted and petitioned the United States Supreme Court for review.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Field, J.)
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