Naacp v. Claiborne Hardware, Co.

458 U.S. 886 (1982)

Facts

The Supreme Court of Mississippi determined that a 1966 economic boycott orchestrated by nine members of the Petitioner Black civil rights organization against the Respondent was unlawful. The Mississippi Supreme Court deemed that the Petitioner’s boycott established tortious interference with business, an illegal boycott, and violations of the state’s antitrust statute. Damages of $1.5 million were levied against the Petitioner. The boycott involved a ban on patronage of Respondent’s business, picketing activities, and speeches which promoted racial equality and justice. The boycott was enforced by ostracizing boycott violators and conducting extensive person-to-person solicitations. Substantial incidents of violence did occur during the boycott, causing significant property damage to the Respondent’s business. The U.S. Supreme Court reversed and remanded.