Facts of the Case
The appellees were charged by information with violation of the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act, 60 Stat. 812, 839, 2 U.S.C. §§ 261-270. Relying on its previous decision in National Association of Manufacturers v. McGrath, 103 F. Supp. 510 , vacated as moot, 344 U.S. 804, the District Court dismissed the information on the ground that the Act is unconstitutional. The case is here on direct appeal under the Criminal Appeals Act, 18 U.S.C. § 3731.
Conclusions
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1. As here construed, §§ 305, 307 and 308 of the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act are not too vague and indefinite to meet the requirements of due process. Pp. 347 U. S. 617 -624. 2. As thus construed, §§ 305 and 308 do not violate the freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment -- freedom to speak, publish and petition the Government. Pp. 347 U. S. 625 -626.
Morally Innocent, Legally Guilty: The Case for Mens Rea Reform
Federalist Society Review, Volume 18
Note from the Editor: This article discusses the concept of mens rea, argues that too...
