[A_perfect_lady]

They weren't imprisoned merely for being Communist, however, if I read you correctly. They were imprisoned for things like perjury, contempt of court, etc.

[dread78645]

They weren't imprisoned merely for being Communist, however, if I read you correctly.They were imprisoned for things like perjury, contempt of court, etc.

Mostly yes. But there were also arrests and prison/deportations for "subversive activities" i.e. possession and distribution of communist literature.

The only person sent to prison for being a member of the Comunist party was Junius Scales of North Carolina. Arrested in 1954, after two trials and many appeals he was sentenced to 6 years.

In 1962 President Kennedy commuted his sentence to time served.

The Supreme Court later ruled the law that was used against Scales, "Smith Act", was unconstitutional.