GILLETTE V. UNITED STATES (1971)

SOURCES

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gillette_v._United_States
• http://www.oyez.org/cases/1970-1979/1970/1970_85

Background:
Guy Gillette was convicted for failing to report for induction to service in Vietnam after his request for conscientious objection, based on moral disposition towards fighting in Vietnam, were rejected.

Constitutional Question:
Does the section of the Selective Service Act discriminate against Humanist views which may be seen as not being a "well-recognized religious sect or organization,…

VOTE

Decision: The Selective Service Act of 1967 covers all religious objection to all wars wit, "no particular sectarian affiliation or theological position required."

Dissent: The right to judge a war was just, or unjust, to each individual.

Significance:
Added constraints on the terms of Conscientious Objection resulting from draftees in the Selective Service.