kevin boyle arc of justice book quiz

Why did Ossian and Gladys Sweet purchase the house on Garland Avenue?

• In Arc of Justice, Boyle describes how Ossian Sweet, a Black physician, purchased the house not just because it was a nice property, but as a deliberate choice that symbolized his aspirations for freedom and equality. Sweet, influenced by his background and the discrimination he had witnessed and endured, wanted to claim his right to live in any neighborhood of his choice. Garland Avenue represented both opportunity and a form of resistance against systemic racial segregation.

• The Sweets purchased the house on Garland Avenue not merely because it was a desirable property but as a statement against racial segregation. Dr. Ossian Sweet, an educated African American physician who had experienced racial violence and discrimination, wanted to live where he chose without restriction. His background, including experiences with racial hostility in the South and a desire for equality, significantly influenced his decision to purchase a home in a predominantly white neighborhood.

Why did the Sweet’s white neighbors oppose integration so vehemently?

• Boyle highlights the racial fear and resentment among Sweet’s white neighbors, who believed that allowing Black families into their neighborhood would lead to a decline in property values and the social character of the area. They viewed the Sweets’ arrival as an invasion that threatened their sense of community and security, fueled by deep-seated prejudice and a desire to maintain racial purity in their neighborhood.

Why didn’t the Sweets decide to move elsewhere?

• The Sweets saw staying in their new home as a moral and civil rights stand. Moving would mean surrendering to the hostility and reinforcing racial boundaries. Ossian Sweet, shaped by his own history and experiences, especially his time in the South, felt a profound obligation to confront this injustice. For him, this was not only about his personal residence but a larger fight for the right to live freely and equally.

Why did the NAACP, James Weldon Johnson, and Walter White see potential in this case?

• Boyle notes that the NAACP recognized the Sweet case as emblematic of broader issues around racial equality and segregation, particularly in northern cities. Johnson and White saw it as an opportunity to challenge discriminatory practices and build momentum for civil rights. Winning the case could serve as a powerful statement for the NAACP’s mission and establish a precedent that African Americans had the right to defend their homes and their dignity.

How and why did Clarence Darrow join the defense team?

• Darrow, one of America’s most famous defense attorneys, joined the case because of his commitment to civil rights and social justice. Boyle describes how Darrow saw the Sweet case as an opportunity to stand against the injustices Black Americans faced. For him, it was a compelling cause that aligned with his values and his long-standing fight against bigotry and discrimination.

Strategies in Jury Selection

• Darrow and the defense team, aware of the racial prejudices of the time, strategically selected jurors they believed would be more sympathetic or at least open-minded to issues of self-defense and fairness. This included identifying jurors who might be less influenced by racial bias. Their approach was partly effective, helping to ensure a more balanced jury pool in an otherwise highly charged case.

Judge Frank Murphy's Impact on the Trials

• Judge Murphy’s rulings allowed the defense to introduce arguments about racial fear and prejudice. Boyle details how Murphy, who sympathized with civil rights causes, made decisions that helped level the legal playing field, giving Darrow and the defense team room to argue the case from a civil rights perspective. His fairness had a significant impact on the trial’s progression.

Darrow’s Effectiveness as a Lawyer

• Darrow’s defense of the Sweets was powerful, both legally and morally. Boyle portrays Darrow as someone who did an exceptional job arguing for the Sweets’ right to self-defense and exposing the racial biases underpinning the case. His performance showcased his skill in advocating for civil rights and challenging prejudicial norms, contributing to his reputation as a champion for justice.

"The Psychology of the Race"

• Darrow’s statement about "the psychology of the race" referred to the irrational fears and biases white people held against Black people. Boyle shows how Darrow used this argument to highlight how deeply embedded racism was in society, which led the neighbors to react violently to the Sweets’ presence. Darrow argued that these fears were socially constructed and without basis.

Most Important Witness in the Second Trial

• Dr. Ossian Sweet himself was arguably the most important witness. His testimony about his experiences with racial violence in the South and his fear for his life and family made a compelling case for why he felt the need to defend his home. His personal history illustrated the ongoing threats Black families faced, making his self-defense argument resonate.

Why the Trials Garnered Attention

1. Boyle illustrates how the Sweet trials attracted national attention because they exposed the racial tensions and segregationist practices in northern cities, where such conflicts were often viewed as “Southern problems.” The high-profile involvement of the NAACP and Clarence Darrow, as well as the violence and threats the Sweets faced, brought the issues of housing discrimination and civil rights to the forefront of public consciousness, making the trials a pivotal moment in the fight against racial injustice in America.