Draft-registration system ruled invalid by judge

November 17, 1982

A federal judge ruled the nation's selective service registration system was invalid because the 1980 presidential order reinstituting draft registration was enacted nine days too early. US District Judge Terry Hatter dismissed charges against David Wayte, who had refused to register for the draft.

Justice Department attorneys said they would appeal the decision. When asked if the ruling would affect young men now required to register upon turning 18, a Justice Department spokesman said, ''We are of the opinion that people should continue to register. We still plan to investigate and prosecute.''