The Supreme Court unanimously reverses Muhammad Ali's conviction for refusing military induction.
At a Glance
- Date
- 28 June 1971
- Location
- Washington, D.C.
- Key people
- Muhammad Ali
- Category
- Law & Justice
- Source
- Clay v. United States, 403 U.S. 698 (1971) · Oyez
What It Meant Then
It vindicated his stand and cleared his return to boxing.
What It Means Now
The ruling is a landmark of conscientious objection and free exercise of religion.
Cite this page
- MLA
- “Ali's Conviction Is Overturned.” Black-History.com, 30 Sept. 2026, https://black-history.com/on-this-day/alis-conviction-is-overturned/.
- APA
- Black-History.com Editors. (2026, September 30). Ali's Conviction Is Overturned. Black-History.com. https://black-history.com/on-this-day/alis-conviction-is-overturned/
- Chicago
- Black-History.com Editors. “Ali's Conviction Is Overturned.” Black-History.com. September 30, 2026. https://black-history.com/on-this-day/alis-conviction-is-overturned/.
Editorial Note
By the Black-History.com editors. Last reviewed 30 September 2026. To suggest a primary source or a correction, write to editors@black-history.com or use our corrections form.