George Anastaplo Dies; Had Been Refused Admission to the Illinois Bar Because he Refused to Say if he was a Member of the Communist Party

On February 14, George Anastaplo died at the age of 85. See this story. He became well-known for refusing to answer a question as to whether he was a member of the Communist Party. As a result, he was denied the ability to become a member of the Illinois Bar. In 1960 he argued in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in his own defense, even though he was not an attorney. He lost his case 5-4, with a dissent written by Justices Hugo Black and signed by Earl Warren, William Brennan, and William O. Douglas. Thanks to How Appealing for the link.


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