William O. Douglas

“ Mr. Justice DOUGLAS, with whom Mr. Justice BLACK concurs, dissenting.
Like United States v. Shotwell Mfg. Co., 355 U.S. 233, 234, 78 S.Ct. 245, 2 L.Ed.2d 234, 'This case presents an unusual question, involving the integrity of a criminal trial in the federal courts.'
Petitioner was convicted by a jury of violating 21 U.S.C. § 176a-smuggling marihuana into the United States. The Court of Appeals affirmed. 5 Cir., 317 F.2d 865. A principal witness for the Government was a woman, Janet Watkins, arrested with petitioner, the marihuana having been discovered in her hair. ”

“ After conferring with Judge Connally we were able to talk to Bill Jackson of the Federal District Attorney's office, who is also convinced that Janet is a victim of circumstances and not guilty.
'The present course of action is as follows: Janet will be a witness for the Government against Mr. Beck. After she testifies against him Janet will withdraw her plea of guilty to not guilty, and the cases will be tried before the court if tried at all. Although the Government has not promised nything, they have as much as indicated her cases will be dismissed. ”