Prince v. Massachusetts

321 U.S. 158 (1944)

Facts

Prince (P) was convicted of violating Massachusetts child labor laws by having her niece and two sons participate with her in 'selling' copies of 'Watch Tower' and 'Consolation' as they were ordained ministers in the church of Jehovah's Witnesses. P believed it was her god given obligation to perform this work and the failure to do so would bring about condemnation to everlasting destruction at Armageddon. This testimony was excluded at trial and P was found guilty and appealed.