Arnold v. Tiffany

How later courts describe this case

• holding West Virginia recidivist statute unconstitutional as applied to require disproportionately severe sentence
• class of homeowners adversely affected by zoning change held not to be a "class" within the meaning of § 1985(3)
• “Plaintiffs’ counsel acknowledged, that cases have shown that §§ 1981 and 1982 are limited to instances of racial discrimination.”
• company's action against environmentalists held a response to individual's actions, not class-based
• jury may infer guilt from circumstantial evidence since defendant’s story inherently incredible
• “A close reading of Griffin leads this Court to conclude that the words ‘class-based, invidiously discriminatory animus’ refer, at most, to that kind of irrational and odious class discrimination akin to racial bias — such as discrimination based on national origin or religion.”
• same rule applicable to retained counsel
• personal interview by trial judge