Martinsville Case Analysis

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Whenever I hear about discrimination, prejudice or stereotypes, as they relate to race, ethnicity and you name it, my system aches. Being inhumane and lack respect for your fellow brothers or sisters regardless of color, speaks volume and causes unsettling issues in our society today. In this assignment, my mission is to share an historic event that took place in Martinsville, VA back in 1949. This case includes rape and a racially motivated justice system, that leads to racial discrimination; ultimately, led to the execution of seven. This case garnered international recognition and eventually left an indelible scar on the world. With numerous evidence of racial discrimination, I have put together a compelling argument which establishes the …show more content…

Supreme Court; people from both races gathered and prayed at the state Capitol, many marched on Washington, the office of the governor was “flooded with thousands of telegrams, including one from Moscow, asking that the men not be executed,” and everyone became desperate as the execution was underway, seeking to overturn or delay the ruling. Although attorney “Martin filed a writ of habeas corpus” shortly after the rejection of clemency by incoming Gov. Battle’s, Martin argued that “the seven were denied equal protection under the law guaranteed by the 14th Amendment.” (Rise, ) But Judge Whittle along with President Truman continue to ignore pleas from the lawyers, Civil Rights Congress and the NAACP. Can you imagine, “Virginia’s court system repeatedly rejected the NAACP’s arguments while the US Supreme Court rejected the case twice without review?” (Rise, ) That is disgraceful, distasteful, merciless and such hate for humanity. Were the accusers threatened to make a confession and signed statements without their attorney? Quiet possible but won’t speculate. At such young age, the lives of seven men including half brothers Frank and Howard Hairston, John Taylor, Joe Hampton, Booker Millner, also not related to the Hairston brothers, James Hairston and lastly, Francis DeSales Grayson, the 37 years old World War II veteran, were suddenly snatched away via electrocution. With support from an …show more content…

If they truly committed a crime, they must do the time, but death should not be the penalty for rape; furthermore, if the rule stands, it should be impartial and required to be color blind. Clearly, the negative and hateful practices against blacks as they were being murdered, due to racial discrimination and prejudicial injustice, further highlights institutional practices. With the rejections of the U.S. Supreme Court and Martinsville Circuit Court judge’s refusal to have mercy and deliver a fair trial; ultimately, demonstrates a systematic process set forth to crush blacks. Selecting prospective black jurors as a sign of balance diversity in an effort to appease blacks, was a sure sign that tokenism was on display; however, their decision to use 72 all-white male jurors throughout the six trials, prove otherwise. Hostility against the black society in Martinsville, VA exposes a Jim Crow South in full effect, and although it has reduced compared to the 1940s, it still exists; however, today it is more convert and subtle. While no one will deny Floyd’s rape; on the other hand, none should feel good about the hateful discrimination against these young black men, who had no opportunity of a fair trial and all request for one was ignored or rejected. Local and international support for these men, were immensely immeasurable; nevertheless, they fail to convince the evil minds of a whites only institution. It took

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