Korematsu v. United States Case Brief Example


The following case brief for Korematsu v. United States (1944) provides a concise and structured summary of the court case that serves as a valuable reference tool for law students and legal professionals. It allows them to review and analyze legal principles, identify key issues and holdings, and gain insight into the court’s reasoning.

By presenting cases in a structured manner, case briefs facilitate effective studying, research, and the application of legal principles to new legal scenarios. Whether used for exam preparation, legal research, or enhancing understanding of judicial decisions, case briefs are invaluable resources that contribute to a deeper comprehension of the law.

Case: Korematsu v. United States

Court:Supreme Court of the United States
Citation:323 U.S. 214 (1944)
Petitioner:Fred Toyosaburo Korematsu
Respondent:United States

Procedural History: Korematsu v. United States (1944)

  • During World War II, Fred Korematsu, a Japanese-American citizen, was arrested and convicted for violating an exclusion order that required Japanese-Americans to relocate to internment camps.
  • Korematsu appealed his conviction, which eventually reached the United States Supreme Court.

Facts: Korematsu v. United States

During World War II, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 9066, which authorized the forced relocation and internment of Japanese Americans on the West Coast of the United States. Fred Korematsu, a Japanese American citizen, refused to comply with the order and was arrested. He was convicted of violating the order and challenged the constitutionality of his internment, arguing that it violated his rights under the Fifth Amendment.

Issue: Korematsu v. United States (1944)

The primary issue before the court was whether the forced relocation and internment of Japanese Americans based on their race during World War II was constitutional.

Rule of Law: Korematsu v. United States

The court considered the constitutionality of the government’s actions under the Fifth Amendment’s Due Process Clause.

Holding and Reasoning: Korematsu v. United States (1944)

The Supreme Court held that the forced relocation and internment of Japanese Americans during World War II were constitutional.

Holding: The Court, by a 6-3 decision, held that the forced relocation and internment of Japanese Americans were constitutional.

Reasoning: Justice Hugo L. Black, writing for the majority, provided the following key points of reasoning:

  • Military Necessity: The Court recognized that the government’s actions were based on military necessity and the need to protect national security during a time of war. It acknowledged that the threat of espionage and sabotage by Japanese Americans on the West Coast justified the internment as a precautionary measure.
  • Deference to Executive Branch: The Court deferred to the judgment of the Executive Branch and the military authorities responsible for national defense. It held that in times of war, the President had the authority to take actions deemed necessary to protect the country, even if they resulted in the infringement of individual rights.
  • Racial Discrimination: The Court acknowledged that the internment policy was based on race, which would ordinarily trigger strict scrutiny. However, it held that in this specific context of wartime, racial distinctions were justified based on military necessity rather than racial animosity.

Concurrence and Dissent: Korematsu v. United States

Justice Frank Murphy wrote a strong dissenting opinion, joined by Justice Owen J. Roberts. Justice Murphy argued that the internment policy was a clear violation of the constitutional rights of Japanese Americans and that it should be subject to strict scrutiny. He emphasized that the government failed to demonstrate a compelling interest that justified the sweeping infringement of civil liberties.

Significance: Korematsu v. United States (1944)

Korematsu v. United States is a significant case in American legal history as it reflects the controversial issue of the government’s power to infringe upon individual rights during times of national crisis. Although the decision has been widely criticized and later discredited, it stood as binding precedent for several decades.

Korematsu’s case is often cited as an example of the dangers of racial discrimination and the importance of protecting civil liberties, even in times of national emergency. In 1988, the U.S. Congress formally acknowledged the injustice of the internment and provided reparations to surviving Japanese American internees.

Milo Lawson

Milo Lawson is a passionate legal professional and a valued contributor to Case Brief Examples. With a deep understanding of the law and a keen eye for detail, Milo brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our platform.

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