Prince v. Massachusetts (1944)

1) Link to the Actual Opinion
Read the U.S. Reports opinion (PDF)

2) Summary of the Opinion
Sarah Prince, a Jehovah’s Witness, was convicted for allowing her 9-year-old niece to distribute religious literature in violation of Massachusetts child labor laws. She argued this violated her rights to direct the child’s upbringing and exercise religion. The Supreme Court upheld the conviction, ruling that parental and religious rights are not absolute and can be limited to protect children’s welfare.