Supreme Court Upholds Japanese American Incarceration

December 18th, 1944

December 18th, 1944

Supreme Court Upholds Japanese American Incarceration
How Long Ago?

80 years, 2 months, 25 days ago

Location

United States

Category

Politics & Government

War/Conflict

World War II

People
  • Justice Hugo Black
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt
  • Fred Korematsu
  • Justice Murphy
Links & References
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Supreme Court Upholds Japanese American Incarceration

The Supreme Court of the United States ruled in favor of the federal government in Korematsu v. United States, confirming the legality of the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. This decision supported President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced relocation and incarceration of approximately 120,000 individuals of Japanese descent, including many U.S. citizens. The ruling was based on national security concerns following Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor.

Korematsu defied internment and was arrested.

Supreme Court ruling was 6-3 in favor of the U.S.

Decision influenced by fears of espionage.

Led to later discussions on civil liberties.

What Happened?

In Korematsu v. United States, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the internment of Japanese Americans, a case that arose during WWII. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which authorized the removal of Japanese Americans from the West Coast. The government justified this action as a necessity for national security, even though the vast majority of internees were loyal U.S. citizens. Fred Korematsu, a Japanese American, defied the order and was arrested, leading to this pivotal Supreme Court case. On December 18, 1944, the Court ruled 6-3 in favor of the government.The decision was influenced by the context of war and fear of espionage, as the U.S. was engaged in a brutal conflict with Japan. The justices deemed the internment a wartime necessity, emphasizing that the protection of the country outweighed individual rights. The ruling sparked significant resistance and discussions about civil liberties, as dissenting justices argued that the decision was built on racial prejudice rather than valid national security rationale. This case remains a key moment in American legal and social history.Korematsu v. United States has long been recognized as a controversial decision that is frequently cited in discussions about civil rights, racial discrimination, and the balance between security and liberty. It laid the groundwork for later movements advocating for the redress of grievances faced by Japanese Americans, leading to a formal apology and reparations in the 1980s. This ongoing discourse highlights the consequences of governmental decisions made in the shadow of war.

Why Does it Matter?

The Korematsu decision is interesting because it exemplifies the tension between civil rights and national security that continues to resonate today. It serves as a crucial example of how fear can lead to the erosion of constitutional rights and the impact of racism in governmental policies. The legacy of Korematsu's struggle has prompted ongoing conversations about justice and equality in the face of crisis, influencing present-day discussions around immigration, security measures, and constitutional protections.

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