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Norris v. Alabama

United States Supreme Court

294 U.S. 587 (1935)

Facts

Alabama (plaintiff) convicted Clarence Norris (defendant) of rape. Norris had originally been indicted, tried, and convicted in Jackson County, Alabama. The United States Supreme Court reversed the conviction because the court failed to make effective appointment of counsel. The case was retried in Morgan County, Alabama. Norris moved to quash the indictment and the trial venire on grounds that Black men were systematically and arbitrarily excluded from service on grand and petit juries in both counties. The trial court denied both motions. Norris was convicted. The Alabama Supreme Court affirmed the conviction, finding no violation of due process. The United States Supreme Court granted certiorari.

Rule of Law

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Issue

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Holding and Reasoning (Hughes, C.J.)

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A "yes" or "no" answer to the question framed in the issue section;
A summary of the majority or plurality opinion, using the CREAC method; and
The procedural disposition (e.g., reversed and remanded, affirmed, etc.).

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