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Junius Irving Scales v. United States
Citations: 360 U.S. 924; 79 S. Ct. 1444Docket: 488
Court: Supreme Court of the United States; June 29, 1959; Federal Supreme Court; Federal Appellate Court
The Supreme Court of the United States heard the case of Junius Irving Scales v. United States, concerning the validity of the Membership Clause of the Smith Act (18 U.S.C. § 2385). The Court set the case for reargument on November 19, 1959, with specific questions for counsel to address regarding the clause's constitutionality. Key issues include: 1. Whether a conviction can be based solely on the accused's membership in a group described by the Smith Act, with knowledge of its purposes. 2. If a specific intent to further those purposes is required for a valid conviction, and whether the Smith Act can be interpreted to necessitate such proof. 3. The necessity of proving that the accused was an 'active' member for the clause to be constitutionally valid, and if this requirement was properly applied in the case. 4. The applicability of the 'clear and present danger' doctrine to the Membership Clause, both regarding the accused and the described groups. 5. The relevance of 50 U.S.C.A. § 780(f) of the Internal Security Act as a potential bar to prosecution, particularly concerning its registration provisions. The Court allotted two hours for oral arguments from each side and expressed frustration over the prolonged nature of the case, suggesting that it was ready for a final decision without further delay. The case has been in the courts for several years, with multiple prior hearings and discussions about the implications of the Jencks ruling on the proceedings. The Court emphasized the need for resolution to avoid unnecessary legal delays.