United States v. Ronald Lynn Milligan, United States of America v. Ralph Eugene Milligan

This is a direct criminal appeal from convictions of Ronald and Ralph Milli-gan under 50 App. U.S.C. § 462, for failure to report for civilian employment as conscientious objectors. The Milligans are Jehovah Witnesses and claim that acceptance of alternative civilian employment is in violation of the tenets of their religion, and that the Government has failed to show a compelling reason for ordering them into such employment.

Appellants cite Sherbert v. Verner, 374 U.S. 398, 407, 83 S.Ct. 1790, 10 L.Ed.2d 965 (1963), for the proposition that there exists a burden of proof upon the Government…