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John T. Watkins

Released
Full name:John Watkins
Gender:Male
Race:White
Era:1950s
State:Illinois
Support
Civil Liberties Labor Organizing
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Biography

John T. Watkins was a United Auto Workers organizer who acknowledged his own past cooperation with the Communist Party but refused to identify former associates before the House Un-American Activities Committee. A court convicted him of contempt of Congress, imposed a suspended one-year sentence and a $100 fine, and placed him on probation. The Supreme Court reversed the conviction on June 17, 1957. Watkins did not serve the suspended prison term.

Case

Charges: Contempt of Congress
Sentence: One year in prison, suspended, a $100 fine, and probation. No prison term was served.
Convicted: Yes