Powell vs. Alabama (1932)
Background and Details
Nine young black men, Charlie Weems, Ozie Powell, Clarence Norris, Olen Montgomery, Willie Roberson, Haywood Patterson, Andrew Wright, Leroy Wright and Eugene Williams were charged with the rape of two white women, Ruby Bates and Victoria Price. A series of only three trails took place in only one day for all nine men, who were all sentenced to death. The court appointed attorneys did not consult with their clients, and the clients had little time to talk with their lawyers. This lack of legal counseling was questioned to violate the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment.
Decision
7 votes for Powell, 2 votes against. The convictions of the nine men were overturned, and all recieved a new trail with legal counsel.
Precedent
Under the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment, legal counsel must be a requirement for anyone charged with the death penalty.
Nine young black men, Charlie Weems, Ozie Powell, Clarence Norris, Olen Montgomery, Willie Roberson, Haywood Patterson, Andrew Wright, Leroy Wright and Eugene Williams were charged with the rape of two white women, Ruby Bates and Victoria Price. A series of only three trails took place in only one day for all nine men, who were all sentenced to death. The court appointed attorneys did not consult with their clients, and the clients had little time to talk with their lawyers. This lack of legal counseling was questioned to violate the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment.
Decision
7 votes for Powell, 2 votes against. The convictions of the nine men were overturned, and all recieved a new trail with legal counsel.
Precedent
Under the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment, legal counsel must be a requirement for anyone charged with the death penalty.