Supreme Court to Consider Honest-Services Fraud: Robert F. McDonnell v. United States

Criminal Law & Procedure Practice Group Teleforum Conference Call

On January 15, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari in Robert F. McDonnell v. United States. The Court will review the public corruption convictions of former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell to determine whether the definition of “official action” as used in the federal bribery statute, Hobbs Act, and honest-services fraud statute is limited to exercising actual governmental power or the threat or pressure to do so. If the definition is not so limited, the Court will also consider whether the Hobbs Act and honest-services fraud statute are unconstitutional—given that such a broad definition could include political activity protected by the First Amendment. This Teleforum will allow experts who have been involved in amicus briefs and analyzing the case to debate the positions articulated by Governor McDonnell and the U.S. Government as to the "official act" question.

Featuring:

• Brian D. Boone, Alston & Bird LLP
• Prof. Randall D. Eliason, George Washington University Law School
• Moderator: William J. Haun, Hunton & Williams LLP

On January 15, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari in Robert F. McDonnell v. United States. The Court will review the public corruption convictions of former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell to determine whether the definition of “official action” as used in the federal bribery statute, Hobbs Act, and honest-services fraud statute is limited to exercising actual governmental power or the threat or pressure to do so. If the definition is not so limited, the Court will also consider whether the Hobbs Act and honest-services fraud statute are unconstitutional—given that such a broad definition could include political activity protected by the First Amendment. This Teleforum will allow experts who have been involved in amicus briefs and analyzing the case to debate the positions articulated by Governor McDonnell and the U.S. Government as to the "official act" question.

Featuring:

• Brian D. Boone, Alston & Bird LLP
• Prof. Randall D. Eliason, George Washington University Law School
• Moderator: William J. Haun, Hunton & Williams LLP

Call begins at 12:00 noon Eastern Time.

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