NAACP v. State of Alabama ex rel. Patterson

357 U.S. 449 (1958)

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NAACP v. State of Alabama ex rel. Patterson

United States Supreme Court
357 U.S. 449 (1958)

NAACP v. State of Alabama ex rel. Patterson

Facts

The State of Alabama (plaintiff) sought to compel the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) (defendant) to reveal to the state Attorney General the names and addresses of all the NAACP’s Alabama members and agents. The NAACP refused, arguing that disclosure of its members would chill association. The NAACP was held in civil contempt by the State Circuit Court of Montgomery, Alabama. The contempt order was affirmed by the Alabama Supreme Court, and the United States Supreme Court granted certiorari.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Harlan, J.)

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