United States v. Anthony Lewis Griffin

PHILLIPS, Chief Judge.

Griffin, a member of Jehovah’s witnesses, was granted conscientious objector status by his Selective Service Board. At a jury trial in the District Court he was convicted for failure to report as a conscientious objector for civilian service at a State hospital in lieu of military service, in violation of 50 U.S. C. App. § 462.

A prison sentence of five years was imposed by the District Judge. Griffin appeals.

The controlling question on appeal is whether Griffin was entitled to an exemption as a regular or duly ordained minister of religion under 50 U.S.C. App. § 456(g).

Th…