TATE v. SHORT

No. 324.

401 U.S. 395 (1971)

TATE v. SHORT.

Supreme Court of United States.

Decided March 2, 1971


Attorney(s) appearing for the Case

Norman Dorsen argued the cause for petitioner. With him on the briefs were Peter Sanchez-Navarro, Jr., and Stanley A. Bass.

Joseph G. Rollins argued the cause for respondent. With him on the brief were Crawford C. Martin, Attorney General of Texas, Nola White, First Assistant Attorney General, Alfred Walker, Executive Assistant Attorney General, and Robert C. Flowers and Gilbert J. Pena, Assistant Attorneys General.

Allan Ashman filed a brief for the National Legal Aid and Defender Association as amicus curiae urging reversal.


MR. JUSTICE BRENNAN delivered the opinion of the Court.

Petitioner accumulated fines of $425 on nine convictions in the Corporation Court of Houston, Texas, for traffic offenses. He was unable to pay the fines because of indigency1 and the Corporation Court, which otherwise has no jurisdiction to impose prison sentences,2 committed him to the municipal prison farm...

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