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Court Strikes Down State Loyalty Oath
In a 54 decision Justice Douglas leads the Supreme Court ruling against Arizona's loyalty oath for state workers. Barbara Elfbrandt a Tucson teacher refused the oath and challenged the law saying it violated free association and speech. Her husband Vernon Elfbrandt also refused to sign and taught without pay for eight years. White dissented noting prior rulings allow inquiries into Communist ties and potential discharges, while the majority warned the oath threatens First Amendment freedoms. Chief Justice Warren and Justices Black Brennan and Fortas joined Douglas.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
Supreme’ Court
Wiliam O. Douglas
Byron R. White
Tom C. Clark
John M. Harlan
Potter
Stewart
Inio White
Barbara. Elfbrandt
Tucson
Elsprand
Religious Society of Friends
Quakers
Supreme Court
Vernon Elfbrandt
Hendrie
Elfbrandts
Spokane
Douglas
The
United States
Arizona
White
Communist Party
Douglins
Earl Warren
Hugh L. Black
William J. Brennan
Abe Fortas