Beyond the Courts

While accepting the need for legal action, the ILD saw the Scottsboro case in the context of the whole struggle against capitalism and national oppression. It believed, and rightly so, that it was necessary to develop mass action outside the Courts and legislative bodies, and to alert and gain the support of workers in every country. The NAACP, on the other nand, believes in using only the Courts, and relying on the support of white liberals and the Negro middle class. In his often scathing criticism of the Communist Party and its leaders, Carter's 'objectivity' looses credibility. No doubt mistakes were made, but it was the ILD which developed the campaign and was the main force throughout in supporting those in gaol.