Screws v. United States

325 U.S. 91 (1945)

Facts

Screws (D) was sheriff of Baker County, Georgia. A young Negro named Hall was arrested late at night for stealing a tire. The arrest was done by D and two other officers. Hall was handcuffed and taken to the courthouse. When Hall left the car, the officers present stated that he allegedly reached for a gun and then proceeded to beat him senseless (while still handcuffed). Hall was dragged to the jail, and an ambulance was called. Hall died within the hour. There was evidence that D had a grudge against Hall and had threatened to get him. Ds were charged with violation of Section 20 of the Criminal Code for their acting under color of law and willfully causing Hall to be deprived of his rights privileges and immunities secured to him by the Fourteenth Amendment. A jury trial was held, and Ds were found guilty. The court of appeals affirmed.