nhd script Flashcards
Who are the main individuals involved in the Loving v. Virginia case?
Richard Jerry Loving and Mildred Dolores Jeter
Mildred’s maiden name is Jeter.
What was the central issue of the Loving v. Virginia case?
The battle of an interracial married couple versus the State of Virginia for their marriage rights.
What were the ethnic backgrounds of Richard and Mildred Loving?
Richard was of Irish and English descent, while Mildred was of African American and Native American descent.
How did Richard and Mildred meet?
Richard was a friend of Mildred’s brother and they first met when Richard came over to Mildred’s house.
At what ages did Richard and Mildred first meet?
Mildred was 11 years old and Richard was 17 years old.
What prompted Richard and Mildred to get married?
Mildred got pregnant at 18 years old.
Where did the Lovings get married?
Washington D.C.
Interracial marriage was legal in Washington D.C.
What date did the Lovings get married?
June 2, 1958.
What led to the arrest of the Lovings?
They were arrested for violating Virginia’s Racial Integrity Act of 1924.
Who were the law enforcement officers involved in the Lovings’ arrest?
Sheriff Garnett Brooks and 2 deputies.
How long did Mildred spend in jail compared to Richard?
Mildred spent 3 nights in jail, while Richard spent only 1 night.
What was the sentence given to the Lovings by Judge Leon M. Bazile?
1 year in prison, suspended if they left Virginia for 25 years.
What action did Mildred take to seek help for their situation?
She wrote a letter to Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy.
Which organization took on the Lovings’ case?
American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Who were the attorneys assigned to the Lovings’ case?
Bernard S. Cohen and Philip J. Hirschkop.
What was the initial strategy of the ACLU attorneys?
To get Judge Leon to reverse his original decision.
What did Judge Bazile state regarding the races in his ruling?
He claimed that God created the races separately and intended for them not to mix.
When did the oral arguments for the Loving case begin?
April 10, 1967.
What was Mildred’s sentiment about the case?
She believed it was about principle and law, and that winning would help many people.
What did Richard Loving ask his attorneys to convey to the court?
He loves his wife and it is unfair that he cannot live with her in Virginia.
Which constitutional amendment did the attorneys argue was violated?
The 14th Amendment.
What do the Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses of the 14th Amendment state?
No State shall make or enforce any law that abridges the privileges or immunities of citizens; nor deprive any person of life, liberty, or property without due process; nor deny equal protection of the laws.
What was the outcome of the Supreme Court ruling on June 12, 1967?
The Supreme Court unanimously ruled in favor of the Lovings, 9-0.
What was the impact of the Loving v. Virginia case on laws in other states?
It overturned laws banning interracial marriage in 16 other states.
