United States v. Johnson (390 U.S. 563)

United States Supreme Court

390 U.S. 563

United States  v.  Johnson et al.

Appeal from the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia

No. 482.  Argued: March 14, 1968 --- Decided: April 8, 1968

Though the exclusive-remedy provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, § 207 (b), confines the enforcement of substantive rights under the Act to injunctive relief, and thus bars criminal action against proprietors and owners of facilities for refusal to serve Negroes, it does not foreclose criminal action against outsiders having no relation to the proprietors or owners. The District Court, therefore, erred in dismissing an indictment under 18 U.S.C. § 241 against outside hoodlums for conspiring to assault Negroes for exercising their federal rights under the Act. Pp. 564-567.

269 F. Supp. 706, reversed.

Ralph S. Spritzer argued the cause for the United States. On the brief were Solicitor General Griswold and Assistant Attorney General Doar.

Robert B. Thompson, by appointment of the Court, post, p. 917, argued the cause for appellees. With him on the brief was Reuben A. Garland.

Notes