Conscientious Objectors in Court
In the winter of 1943, two brothers from Marquez were brought to trial on charges of violating the selective service act. The Maji brothers were Jehovah's Witnesses, a sect whose members sought religious exemptions to war service.
Waco News-Tribune
February 26, 1943
Jehovah Witnesses Being Tried Here
Two Jehovah's Witnesses, Jim and John William Maji, brothers from Marquez, appeared before Judge Charles A. Boynton in federal district court here Thursday [Feb. 25] to plead not guilty to charges of violating the selective service act. They told Judge Boynton they did not want an attorney but Judge Boynton appointed lawyers to represent them anyhow -- Willard McLaughlin for one brother and Orville Jobe for the other. They will be tried before a jury Monday.
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The brothers appeared in court again on March 1 and were tried and sentenced.
Waco News-Tribune
March 2, 1943
Sect Members Get Lecture, Sentence on Draft Evasion
Judge, Handing Out 30 Months Hitches, Tells Witnesses U.S. Fights for Religious Freedom
Jim and John William Maji of Marquez, members of the Jehovah's Witnesses religious sect claiming conscientious objections to military service, were reminded Monday afternoon [March 1] by Judge Charles A. Boynton of federal district court that the United States is fighting for the right of religious freedom.
"Not only have you taken the attitude of letting the neighborhood boys on adjoining farms do your fighting for you," Judge Boynton declared, "but, not asked to render military service, you even refused to labor for your country and yourselves in non-combat service."
The brothers were convicted by juries of failure to report for physical examinations preliminary to being sent to a labor camp at Magnolia, Ark., as conscientious objectors.
"You are defying the laws of the land in which you live," Judge Boynton declared.
"No, sir," chimed the Majis.
"The court says you are," came the judge's flat statement.
This is a Christian country, he said; the congressmen who passed the selective service act are members of Christian churches.
'Taking Innocent Blood'
Asked if they had any statement to make, John William Maji, 22, the oldest brother, told Judge Boynton that "in sentencing us, you are taking innocent blood on your shoulders."
"That is an extreme statement," said the veteran jurist, who reminded the defendants that he has had such a responsibility for a long number of years.
He called attention to three-year sentences imposed on two men from the Marquez community during the November term of court and stated he had hoped that this action, and his remarks at that time, might influence others to change their views.
He sentenced the Maji brothers to 30 months in a federal correctional institution and, he said, the sentences would be heavier but for their ages.
Waco News-Tribune
February 26, 1943
Jehovah Witnesses Being Tried Here
Two Jehovah's Witnesses, Jim and John William Maji, brothers from Marquez, appeared before Judge Charles A. Boynton in federal district court here Thursday [Feb. 25] to plead not guilty to charges of violating the selective service act. They told Judge Boynton they did not want an attorney but Judge Boynton appointed lawyers to represent them anyhow -- Willard McLaughlin for one brother and Orville Jobe for the other. They will be tried before a jury Monday.
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The brothers appeared in court again on March 1 and were tried and sentenced.
Waco News-Tribune
March 2, 1943
Sect Members Get Lecture, Sentence on Draft Evasion
Judge, Handing Out 30 Months Hitches, Tells Witnesses U.S. Fights for Religious Freedom
Jim and John William Maji of Marquez, members of the Jehovah's Witnesses religious sect claiming conscientious objections to military service, were reminded Monday afternoon [March 1] by Judge Charles A. Boynton of federal district court that the United States is fighting for the right of religious freedom.
"Not only have you taken the attitude of letting the neighborhood boys on adjoining farms do your fighting for you," Judge Boynton declared, "but, not asked to render military service, you even refused to labor for your country and yourselves in non-combat service."
The brothers were convicted by juries of failure to report for physical examinations preliminary to being sent to a labor camp at Magnolia, Ark., as conscientious objectors.
"You are defying the laws of the land in which you live," Judge Boynton declared.
"No, sir," chimed the Majis.
"The court says you are," came the judge's flat statement.
This is a Christian country, he said; the congressmen who passed the selective service act are members of Christian churches.
'Taking Innocent Blood'
Asked if they had any statement to make, John William Maji, 22, the oldest brother, told Judge Boynton that "in sentencing us, you are taking innocent blood on your shoulders."
"That is an extreme statement," said the veteran jurist, who reminded the defendants that he has had such a responsibility for a long number of years.
He called attention to three-year sentences imposed on two men from the Marquez community during the November term of court and stated he had hoped that this action, and his remarks at that time, might influence others to change their views.
He sentenced the Maji brothers to 30 months in a federal correctional institution and, he said, the sentences would be heavier but for their ages.
posted by Muley at 5:01 AM
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