Ristaino v. Ross

424 U.S. 589 (1976)

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Ristaino v. Ross

United States Supreme Court
424 U.S. 589 (1976)

Facts

The African-American Ross (defendant) was charged with having committed violent acts against a white security guard. During voir dire, he wanted the trial court to ask questions designed to elicit possible prejudice on the part of the potential jurors. The court refused and this decision was affirmed on appeal. The United States Supreme Court was reviewing a decision by the federal court of appeals that granted habeas corpus relief on the basis of Ham v. South Carolina, 409 U.S. 524 (1973), holding that due process required a judge to investigate possible racial prejudice in potential jurors.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Powell, J.)

Dissent (Marshall, J.)

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