The Scottsboro Boys:
An American Tragedy
Answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper or just in your notes.
1. Tell the story: What happened in this case? Make sure to include details from beginning to
end! (take notes in the space below)
2. What were the conditions in the country/Alabama like during this case?
3. Why did southern whites fear black males?
4. How did the Great Depression help the Communist Party in America?
5. Why did the Communist Party try to recruit blacks in the South?
6. What did the Supreme Court decide about the first case regarding the Scottsboro Boys?
7. Second Trial: How was Victoria Price as a witness?
8. Why did southerners resent the way Leibowitz cross-examined Victoria Price?
9. Why do you think Judge Horton set aside the verdict in the second Scottsboro Boys Trial?
10. Third Trial: How did the judge act during the third trial?
11. After the 3rd trial, how did Leibowitz appeal it to the Supreme Court? (Hint: Norris v.
Alabama)
