MFDP--Legal briefs and memoranda, 1964-1966 (Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party records, 1962-1971; Archives Main Stacks, Mss 586, Box 1, Folder 10)

This folder contains 11 legal documents related to the MFDP, particularly its challenges to 1965 elections and congressmen, and to the appointment of former Mississippi governor J. P. Coleman to a federal judgeship. (1) The first is a legal brief submitted by the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party to the Credentials Committee at the 1964 Democratic National Convention, making its case for being seated in place of the all-white Democratic Party of Mississippi. The brief explains the reasons for the establishment of the MFDP, its principles and platform, and argues that, unlike the Mississippi Democratic Party, the MFDP is actually the party that will support national Democratic Party candidates in the fall. Appendices include the MFDP's official platform and a list of all the MFDP delegates and alternatives to the 1964 Democratic National Convention. (2) The second legal brief is a 1965 case filed by Fannie Lou Hamer and other African American would-be voters and candidates against th