Legal analysis from Dean's Law Dictionary will be displayed here.

This section contains the nature of the case and procedural background.

Masses Publishing Co. (P) published a magazine called 'The Masses,' containing politically revolutionary cartoons and text. P ran political material in the magazine during World War I, violently attacking the draft and the war, and expressing sympathy for conscientious objectors. In July of 1917, Patten (D), the Postmaster of New York, refused to accept P's August issue in the mails. D claimed the magazine violated the Espionage Act by making false statements with the intent to interfere with United States military forces, arousing discontent among potential draftees, and promoting insubordination among troops already in the war. P sued D. P wanted a preliminary injunction against D's refusal to mail their issue.

The legal issues presented in this case will be displayed here.

The court's holding and decision will be displayed here.