In the Harmon v. Brucker case of 1957, the U.S Supreme Court ruled in favor of a former Army officer who was discharged under less than honorable conditions due to alleged communist affiliations. The plaintiff, George W. Harmon, had been dismissed from his position without any formal charges or an opportunity for a hearing to defend himself against these accusations. He sued Arthur A. Brucker, then Secretary of the Army, arguing that his dismissal violated procedural due process rights guaranteed by the Fifth Amendment and sought reinstatement with back pay. The court agreed with Harmon's argument that he was entitled to procedural protections before being discharged on grounds related to loyalty and security risks - including notice of charges and an opportunity for a fair hearing where he could confront witnesses against him. This decision underscored constitutional safeguards protecting individuals from arbitrary government action affecting their employment status based on unproven allegations or suspicions about their political beliefs or associations.

In the dissenting opinion for Harmon v. Brucker, Justice Brennan disagreed with the majority's decision to deny relief to a former Army officer who was discharged without honor due to alleged Communist affiliations. He argued that the Secretary of Defense had exceeded his authority by retroactively applying new loyalty standards and procedures not in place at the time of Harmon's discharge. Furthermore, he contended that this action violated basic principles of fairness and due process as it deprived Harmon of his vested rights without notice or opportunity for hearing. In essence, Justice Brennan believed that an individual should not be punished based on rules or standards established after their actions have taken place.