Joint Anti-Fascist Refugee Committee v. McGrath
United States Supreme Court
341 U.S. 123 (1951)
Attorney General McGrath (defendant), acting under a presidential Executive Order, identified the Joint Anti-Fascist Refugee Committee (plaintiff) as a Communist organization — usable as evidence of disloyalty in government-employment, military, or benefits proceedings — without providing the Committee notice, reasons, or any chance to contest the designation. The Committee sued, claiming it wasn't a Communist organization and that being listed without notice or a hearing violated due process; the district court dismissed for failure to state a claim, and the Supreme Court granted certiorari.
Whether, if a government action does not directly deprive someone of life, liberty, or property, the person may still be entitled to due process protections if the action causes other grievous harm.