United States v. Jack Joseph Pryor

Jack Joseph Pryor appeals his conviction of failing to perform a civilian work assignment in lieu of induction into the Armed Forces, a violation of 50 U.S.C. App. § 462. We affirm.

In 1966 Pryor was classified 1-0 by his local board (conscientious objector available for civilian work). 32 C.F.R. § 1622.14 . Thereafter, he applied for, and received, a IV-D exemption as a minister of religion “who as his regular and customary vocation preaches and teaches the principles of religion and administers the ordinances of public worship” of his sect. 50 U.S.C.App. § 466(g) (1). The change in classification was based upon evidence submitted by Pryor that he had been appointed a Pioneer Minister of Jehovah's Witnesses and, because of that status, was required to average one hundred hours a month, or twelve hundred hours a year, performing various duties for the church.

A year later the board received a note from Pryor stating that he was no longer a Pioneer Minister. On the basis of this information, the board reclassified him I-O. Pryor presented no further information in support of a ministerial exemption, did not take advantage of the right to a personal appearance or appeal, and was…