Korematsu v. United States

Definition

Korematsu v. United States is a landmark Supreme Court case from 1944 that upheld the government's decision to intern Japanese Americans during World War II, arguing it was a wartime necessity. This ruling has been widely criticized for prioritizing national security over individual rights and has sparked ongoing discussions about civil liberties during times of conflict, particularly in relation to the internment of Japanese Americans at the Santa Fe Internment Camp and similar historical injustices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The case arose when Fred Korematsu defied internment orders and was subsequently arrested, leading him to challenge the constitutionality of the internment policy.
2. The Supreme Court's decision was issued in a 6-3 vote, ruling that the internment was justified due to military necessity, despite lack of evidence showing disloyalty among Japanese Americans.
3. Korematsu's conviction was not overturned until 1983 when the U.S. government admitted that evidence had been withheld during the original trial.
4. The case is often cited as a significant example of racial discrimination in U.S. legal history and remains controversial in discussions about national security versus civil rights.
5. In 2018, Justice Anthony Kennedy acknowledged the mistake of Korematsu v. United States in a Supreme Court decision, indicating that it was a dark chapter in American history.

Review Questions

• How did Korematsu v. United States impact the perception of civil liberties during wartime?
  • Korematsu v. United States significantly affected how civil liberties are viewed during wartime by establishing a precedent where national security concerns were prioritized over individual rights. The Supreme Court's ruling legitimized the internment of Japanese Americans, highlighting how fear can lead to widespread violations of rights. This case has become a cautionary tale about the potential consequences when civil liberties are compromised under the guise of security.
• Discuss the implications of Executive Order 9066 in relation to the Korematsu case and its lasting effects on American society.
  • Executive Order 9066 directly led to the internment of Japanese Americans and set the stage for the Korematsu case by legitimizing government actions that stripped away their rights without due process. This executive action resulted in significant personal and community traumas, shaping public perceptions and policies toward minority groups during times of crisis. The lasting effects include ongoing discussions about racial discrimination, civil liberties, and how similar actions could unfold in future conflicts.
• Evaluate how Korematsu v. United States reflects broader themes in American history regarding race, civil rights, and government power.
  • Korematsu v. United States encapsulates critical themes in American history related to race, civil rights, and the balance of government power versus individual freedoms. The case illustrates how fear and prejudice can influence legal decisions and lead to systemic injustices against specific racial groups. Furthermore, it serves as a reflection on America's struggle with its values, emphasizing the need for vigilance to protect civil liberties from government overreach, especially during times of national stress.

Related terms

Internment Camps: Detention facilities where Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated and held during World War II, often under harsh conditions and without due process.

Civil Liberties: Individual rights protected by law from unjust governmental interference, which were severely compromised during the internment of Japanese Americans.

Executive Order 9066:

A directive issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942 that authorized the forced relocation of Japanese Americans from the West Coast to internment camps.