Duncan v. Louisiana
United States Supreme Court
391 U.S. 145 (1968)
Relevant factsFree
Gary Duncan (plaintiff) was convicted of simple battery, a Louisiana misdemeanor carrying up to two years in prison and a $300 fine, without a jury, since Louisiana's constitution reserved jury trials for cases involving capital punishment or hard labor. Duncan's request for a jury trial was denied; he was convicted and sentenced to 60 days and a $150 fine, and sued Louisiana, alleging violation of his constitutional right to a jury trial.
IssueFree
Whether the Sixth Amendment right to a jury trial applies to state criminal proceedings through the Fourteenth Amendment.