Ralph Moore v. Frank Newell, Sheriff

Ralph Moore appeals from the denial of his petition for a writ of habeas corpus. The opinion of District Judge Robert L. Taylor is .reported at 401 F.Supp. 1018 (E.D.Tenn.1975),

Moore was found guilty by a jury of violating T.C.A. § 39-4301, the Tennessee extortion statute, by trying to coerce a retail store to contribute to a charitable fund. There was evidence from which the jury could have concluded that he threatened to close the store if no donation was forthcoming and then picketed for the purpose of forcing a, charitable contribution, or, in the alternative, of closing the store.

He was…