Lathrop v. Donohue

367 U.S. 820 (1961)

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Nature of the Case

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Facts

The Wisconsin Supreme Court integrated the Wisconsin Bar. P alleged that that the 'rules and by-laws that required P to enroll in the State Bar of Wisconsin and to pay dues to D, the treasurer of the State Bar of Wisconsin, on the penalty of being deprived of his livelihood as a practicing lawyer, brought this action for the refund of $ 15 annual dues for 1959 paid by D under protest. P objected to being coerced to support an organization that is authorized and directed to engage in political and propaganda activities. D demurred to the complaint on the ground that it failed to state a cause of action. The State Supreme Court affirmed. The Supreme Court held that the requirement that P be an enrolled dues-paying member of the State Bar did not abridge his rights of freedom of association, and also that his rights to free speech were not violated because the State Bar used his money to support legislation with which he disagreed. The Supreme Court granted certiorari.