Powell v. Alabama

Background

• Scottsborro Boys, 9 Black teenagers
• Accused of raping a white girl
• Sentenced to Death without an attorney

Amendment in Question

• The 6th amendment and the 14th amendment 

Powell's side

• The boys couldn't afford one
• Trial based on discrimination
• No one talked to them about their legal situation

Alabama's side

• 6th Amendment only applies to Federal
• Not required to pay attorney to defend
• They were convicted instead of accused

Outcome

• 7-2 vote
• Start trial over with attorneys provided
• Right to counsel is fundamental principle

New York Times V. United States

Background

• Pentagon Papers
• Daniel Ellsburg published the truth about Vietnam
• Events came out that were never seen or heard
• US charged him with theft, espionage, and conspiracy 

Amendment in Question

• The 1st amendment
• Freedom of speech and press

Daniel's Side

• The American people have a right to know
• Can't stop him from publishing under constitution

Us Side

• Precedent for other cases 
• Conspiracy and theft from the government

Outcome

• It wasn't against constitution to publish papers
• It was his right to the freedom press and speech
• Government can't take away his basic rights

Resources

• http://www.infoplease.com/us/supreme-court/cases/ar30.html
• http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/FTrials/scottsboro/SB_acct.html
• http://americangovernment.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/209768?terms=Powell+v...
• http://www.infoplease.com/us/supreme-court/cases/ar25.html
• http://americangovernment.abc-clio.com/Search/Display/209713?terms=New+York...