Korematsu v. United States
Makala Smiley
November 27, 2012
2nd block
Background Information
On the morning of December 7, 1941 at 7:55 a.m., the Japanese army performed an unexpected attack on US naval base, Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The attack lasted approximately 110 minutes. This heartless attack killed 2,468 people and injured 1,178.
Afterwards, the American military became concerened that the Japanese decendents who lived on the mainland of the United States would side with the Japanese army and plan a revenge attack. So, in order to cease their fears, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an Executive Order forcing all Japanese decendents into internment camps.
Background Information continued...
Fred Korematsu, a Japanese American, relocated to another city claiming to be Mexican in order to avoid being interned. He was later arrested and convicted of violating an executive order,
He challenged his convinction in front of the Supreme Court.
court ruling
Justice Robert Jackson issued a vociferous dissent. He stated that "Korematsu has been convincted of an act that is not commonly known as a crime."
Justice Owen Roberts also dissented in the case, arguing that a relocation center "was a euphemism for prison," and that faced with this consequence Korematsu "did nothing."
timeline of Korematsu trial
Japan bombs United States naval base, Pearl Harbor. The US declares war on Japan.
President Franklin Roosevelt signs Executive Order, evacuating all Japanese Americans to internment camps.
Fred Korematsu is arrested in San Leandro, California for refusing to relocate to the internment camp, thus violating an executive order.
The case of Korematsu v. United States goes to trial. The Supreme court ruled in his favor.
The Supreme Court issues a writ of habeas corpus, ordering all Japanese Americans to be released from the relocation camps. This ruling effectively ends the War Relocation Authority’s ability to detain Japanese Americans.
On August 14, 1945 Japan surrenders, ending wWII.
any dissenting opinions?
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/supremecourt/personality/landmark_korematsu.html
Justice Hugo Black and the Supreme court jury ruled (6-3 majority) in favor of Fred Korematsu. Neither the president nor military authorities have the power to forceably relocate citizens or issue relocation orders.