It concerned a pacifist applicant for naturalization who in the interview declared not to be willing to fight for the defense of the United States.

The court explained that serving in a combatant role is not the only way to uphold and defend the US Constitution and that Girouard should not be denied citizenship because of his religious pacifism.

Stone cited the Nationality Act of 1940 and explained that it was the method that Congress chose for determining whether aliens met the requirements to become citizens.

[citation needed] He argued that the War Powers Act of 1942 did not apply in the case because the aliens covered under the 1942 act had already served in the armed forces in defense of the United States, and it was not intended to include those who had not previously rendered military service to the United States.

Stone died later that day at his home in Washington, D.C.[5] Girouard v. United States overturned three previous Supreme Court decisions.