a person who refuses to serve in the military due to religious or strong philosophical
views against war or killing. Refusing to answer a draft call is a federal felony,
but when a person's religious beliefs are long-standing and consistent (as with
the Quakers) then the objection to service is excused. Conscientious objectors may
be required to perform some non-violent work like driving an ambulance. During the
Vietnam War some conscientious objectors fled to Canada to avoid any service. However,
heavyweight boxing champion Muhammad Ali refused induction during the Vietnam War
(1967) on the basis of his Black Muslim religious beliefs against war and other
philosophical reasons, but was charged with draft evasion anyway. Ali was convicted
and sentenced to five years in prison. On June 28, 1971, the Supreme Court overturned
Ali's conviction. Those who do not agree with these objectors sometimes call them
"draft dodgers. "
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