Skinner v. Oklahoma
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Skinner v. Oklahoma | |
Court | Supreme Court of the United States |
---|---|
Citation | |
Date decided | June 1, 1942 |
Appealed from | Oklahoma Supreme Court |
Overturned | Buck v. Bell |
Facts
Jack Skinner stole some chickens in the 1930s in Oklahoma. It was his 3rd theft. He was ordered to be sterilized as punishment because of the 3-strike law in effect in Oklahoma at the time.
Arguments
Harlan Stone argued that Skinner's due process rights had been violated.
Holding
In spite of Skinner's habitual thievery, his right to procreate under the Equal Protection clause in the 14th Amendment have been violated.
Reasons
This decision is influenced by the negative association of sterilization with Nazi Germany in the 1930s and early 1940s.
Comments
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