Ham v. South Carolina

409 U.S. 524 (1973)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

D is a bearded young Negro who has lived in South Carolina most of his life and was known for his civil rights activities. His basic defense at trial was that law enforcement was out to get him because of his civil rights activities and that he had been framed on the drug charge of possession of marijuana. D's counsel requested voir dire examination to include questions related to the possible prejudice of jurors against D. The trial judge asked three general questions of racial bias but refused to ask the three that were proposed by D. D was convicted and appealed.