Document: 524 U.S. 125118 S.Ct. 1911141 L.Ed.2d 111 Frank J. MUSCARELLO, Petitioner,v.UNITED STATES.Donald E. CLEVELAND and Enrique Gray-Santana, Petitioners,v.UNITED STATES. Nos. 96-1654, 96-8837. Supreme Court of the United States Argued March 23, 1998. Decided June 8, Syllabus * A person who "uses or carries a firearm'' "during in relation to'' "drug trafficking crime'' is subject to 5-year mandatory prison term. 18 U.S.C. §924(c)(1). In first case, police officers found handgun locked glove compartment petitioner Muscarello's truck, which he was using transport marijuana for sale. second federal agents at drug-sale point drugs guns trunk petitioners' car. both cases, Courts Appeals that petitioners had carried firearms violation Held: The phrase "carries applies knowingly possesses conveys vehicle, including car, accompanies. Pp. ____-____. (a) As matter ordinary English, one can "carry firearms'' wagon, other vehicle word's first, basic, meaning dictionaries origin make clear "carry'' includes conveying vehicle. greatest writers have used with this meaning, as has modern press. Contrary arguments dissent, there no linguistic reason think Congress intended limit word its secondary suggests support rather than movement transportation, when, example, column "carries'' weight an arch. Given it not surprising Federal Circuit unanimously concluded limited carrying weapons directly on but include their carriage (b) Neither statute's basic purpose-to combat "dangerous combination'' "drugs guns,'' Smith v. States, 508 223, 240, 113 2050, 2060, 124 138-nor legislative history supports circumscribing scope by applying "on person'' limitation. (c) Petitioners' remaining contrary-that definition adopted here obliterates statutory distinction between "transport,'' provisions "firearms'' section Code; would be anomalous construe broadly when related . firearm,'' §924(c)(1), been construed narrowly only "active employment'' firearm, Bailey 516 137, 144, 116 501, 506, 133 472; Court's reading statute extend coverage passengers buses, trains, ships, placed say, checked luggage; "rule lenity'' should apply because ambiguity-are unconvincing. No. 106 F.3d 636, 96-8837, 1056, affirmed. BREYER, J., delivered opinion Court, STEVENS, O'CONNOR, KENNEDY, THOMAS, JJ., joined. GINSBURG, filed dissenting opinion, REHNQUIST, C.J., SCALIA SOUTER, Robert H. Klonoff, Washington, DC, petitioner. Norman S. Zalkind, Newtonville, MA, appointed court, James A. Feldman, respondent. Justice BREYER Court. 1 provision chapter criminal code imposes term upon crime.'' question before us whether person. We hold so limited. Rather, also 2 arises two we consolidated argument. defendant Muscarello, unlawfully sold marijuana, his truck place Police truck's compartment. During plea proceedings, Muscarello admitted "carried'' gun "for protection relation'' drug offense, App. p. 12, though later claimed contrary, added that, any event, "carr[ying]'' did fall within "carries.'' Pet. Cert. 10a. 3 defendants Donald Cleveland several bag, put bag then traveled car proposed point, where they steal from sellers. scene stopped them, searched cars, drugs, arrested them. 4 cases "carrie[d]'' during offense. 639 (C.A.5 1997); 1068 (C.A.1 1997). granted certiorari determine fact were compartment, trunk, precludes application conclude does not. II 5 begin language. parties vigorously contest English firearm.'' Because essentially agree convey ordinary, some special legal, argue length, too looked into more usual depth. Although many different meanings, are relevant here. When uses primary, can, different, special, way, mean, "bearing'' (in slang) "packing'' (as "packing gun''), less clear. But, reasons shall set out below, believe use primary sense latter, way. 6 Consider meaning. Oxford Dictionary gives "convey, originally cart hence ship, horseback, etc.'' 919 (2d ed. 1989); see Webster's Third New International 343 (1986) (first definition: "move while supporting one's hands arms)''); Random House Language Unabridged 319 1987) "to take another; convey; transport''). 7 explains why conveyance See Barnhart Etymology 146 (1988) (tracing Latin "carum,'' means "car'' "cart''); Dictionary, supra, __ Old French "carier'' late "carricare,'' meant "convey car''); 148 (C. Onions 1966) (same); Etymology, (explaining refer automobile since 1896). 8 See, e.g., King Bible, Kings 9:28 (" [H]is servants him chariot Jerusalem''); id., Isaiah 30:6 [T]hey will carry riches shoulders young asses''). Robinson Crusoe says, " [w]ith my boat, I carry'd away every Thing.'' D. Defoe, 174 (J. Crowley 1972). And owners Queequeg's Melville writes, "had lent [wheelbarrow], heavy chest boarding-house.'' Melville, Moby Dick 43 (U. Chicago 1952). This too, spoken "carrying'' "trunk.'' California Acevedo, 500 565, 572-573, 1982, 1987-1988, 114 619 (1991); Florida Jimeno, 248, 249, 1801, 1802-1803, 297 (1991). 9 These examples do speak about guns. But nothing linguistically weapons, being carried. might boat; Queequeg borrowed wheelbarrow carry, chest, harpoon. And, certain restriction (unmentioned dictionaries) respect guns, surveyed press usage, albeit crudely, searching computerized newspaper databases-both York Times database Lexis/Nexis, "US News'' Westlaw. sentences words "carry,'' "vehicle,'' "weapon'' (or variations thereof) all appear. thousands such sentences, random sampling many, perhaps third, issue here, i.e., 10 Times, writes "an ex-con'' "arrives home driving stolen load handguns,'' Mar. 21, 1992, 1, 18, col. "official peace officer shotgun boat,'' 19, 1988, 12WC, 2, 1; cf. Manual Style Usage, Desk Book Guidelines Writers Editors, forword (L. Jordan rev. 1976) (restricting journalists editors proper English). Boston Globe refers arrest professional baseball player semiloaded automatic weapon car.'' Dec. 10, 1994, 75, 5. Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph speaks "Russell'' hidden May 1993, B1, 2. Arkansas "house'' "searched'' effort find "items could guns.'' 1991, A1, San Diego Union-Tribune asks, "What, aboard these boats now?'' Feb. D2, 11 Now consider somewhat "carry''-a dissent must rest. Dictionary's twenty-sixth "bear, wear, up, sustain, moves about; habitually bear one.'' 921. defines move supporting,'' just "in arms.'' 343. Black's Law entire arms weapons'' 12 "To them clothing pocket, purpose use, armed ready offensive defensive action case conflict another person.'' 214 (6th 1990). 13 definitions, however, purport "carrying arms'' circumstances describe. No doubts bears weapon.'' say deny may weapon'' tied saddle horse 14 Nor definitions. To definitions embody form important, secondary, 919, gangster colloquial language, "pack gun'') even chair. It difficult believe, definition-imposing punishment comatose ignoring lords drive sale arsenal van. 15 recognize, emphasizes, meanings well. those (e.g., knew,'' colours''), post, 6, speakers often add gun'' car'' greater relevance millions Americans facts word, sense, keeps same gun, suitcase, banana. 16 Toms, 136 176, 181 (C.A.D.C.1998); Foster, 704, 708 (C.A.9 1998); Eyer, 470, 476 (C.A.3 F.3d, 1066 (case below); Malcuit, 104 880, 885, rehearing en banc granted, 163 (C.A.6 1997), Mitchell, 649, 653-654 (C.A.4 Molina, 102 928, 932 (C.A.7 1996); Willis, 89 1371, 1379 (C.A.8 Miller, 84 1244, 1259-1260 (1996), overruled grounds, Holland, 1353 (C.A.10 Giraldo, 80 667, 676-677 (C.A.2 Farris, 77 391, 395-396 (C.A.11 1996). B 17 now explore deeply purely legal instances neither nor described broadly, 138 (1993). provision's chief sponsor said seeks persuade man tempted commit felony leave home.'' Cong.Rec. 22231 (1968) (Rep. Poff); Busic 446 398, 405, 100 1747, 1752, 64 381 (1980) (describing Poff's comments "crucial material'' interpreting §924(c)); Simpson 435 13-14, 98 909, 913-914, 55 70 (1978) (concluding "clearly probative'' "certainly entitled weight''); 22243-22244 (statutes "the goes taking crime'') Hunt); 22244 ("Of course, what trying penalties home'') Randall); 22236 ("We concerned having Meskill). 19 From perspective (persuading penalize walks site sale, ignore similar individual who, like travels instead walking, drives car? How persuasive without effect until dealer brought (indeed available use) actually takes unlocks compartment) considered class, prepare, sell placing cars dangerous, deserving punishment, handguns 20 significant indication elsewhere focused purpose. instance legislator referred applicable "has firearm person,'' Ibid. Meskill); "a hand,'' 22239 Pucinski); reference Senate Report "gun pocket.'' S.Rep. 98-225, 314, n. (1983); 21788, 21789 (references more). purports define "carries'': illustrate reach illustrate, criticize, aspect statute. C 21 convinced contrary. First, our makes equivalent "transport.'' Yet, statutes "transport'' deliberately signify broader, coverage. immediately preceding subsection, intent crime, "ships, transports, receives interstate commerce. §924(b). Moreover, §926A specifically "entitle[s]'' "not otherwise prohibited transporting, shipping, receiving "transport lawfully possess carry'' "any place'' so. Why, ask, provision, if obliterate two? 22 short answer equate "Carry'' implies personal agency degree possession, whereas connotation and, addition, goods bulk over great distances. (noting "moving location distance maintaining off ground'' "is natural ref. cargoes loads trucks, wagons, planes, beasts burden,'' number appreciable typically, customary carrier agency''); Synonyms 141 (1942). If Smith, calls parcel delivery service, sends Smith's house pick up package Los Angeles, shipped service transported package. driver intended. Therefore, broader category encompasses activity. 23 describe firearms. §§925(a)(2)(B); __-__. According give it, needed provisions. discussed above, "carry.'' 24 contends, quite unnecessary proviso requiring person, exempt penalties, store her container accessible. (quoted full 1923-1924) (exempting transports "he exempting "transportation'' "readily accessible passenger transporting vehicle''). simply firearm. means. 25 interpret scheme, sense. imposed variable penalty minimum sentence "transports'' "ships'' "receives'') knowing "offense punishable imprisonment [more than] year,'' §924(b), crime,'' §924(c). subsection strict sentencing regime ships mail crime elsewhere; latter brings (on car) 26 Second, 472 (1995), us. §924(c)(1) ("uses firearm''). "use'' narrowly, limiting Bailey, U.S., S.Ct., 506. Petitioners "carries,'' next-door neighbor. 27 part assumed "that each particular, non-superfluous meaning.'' Id., 146, 507. interpretation "use,'' said, swallowed swallow "use.'' "Use'' retains independent provided involving displaying bartering gun. for, under necessarily involve gun's employment.'' More importantly, cannot undercutting objective. For narrow remove act entirely reach, leaving gap 28 Third, luggage. far, argue, unfair, going well beyond likely thought possible. They lower courts, thinking approximately same, accessible, thereby most excluding car's accessible); 676 (same). 29 Regardless, instances, legislators suggest scope. One indicates responds concerns law enforcement personnel, urged motor vehicles classified concealed.'' 22242 May). Another criticizes version suggesting drunken driving, example 21792 Yates). Others criminalizing "possession''-a stretch 21793 Casey); 30584 Collier); 30585 Skubitz). 30 view, argument adequate account statute-words crime. (emphasis added). prevent prosecution "played'' 10; Stewart, 779 F.2d 538, 539 1985) (Kennedy, J.) (observing ""in to''' "added allay explicitly concern prosecuted committing unrelated possession firearm''), Hernandez, 1253, 1257 31 Once "during'' to,'' longer seems Congress' intent, done. logically distinguish beside point. 32 At time, creates own anomalies. statute, "firearm'' "bomb,'' "grenade,'' "rocket propellant charge four ounces,'' "missile explosive incendiary one-quarter ounce,'' device "explosive,'' "incendiary,'' delivers "poison gas.'' §921(a)(4)(A). On reading, lords, engaged major transaction, took these, 33 Fourth, mean "immediately accessible.'' 708; 676. That interpretation, square locked. Nothing pointed __, harms foresaw. 34 Finally, invoke lenity.'' simple existence ambiguity, sufficient warrant rule, ambiguous degree. Cf. 239, 2059 ("The mere possibility articulating narrower construction itself rule lenity applicable''). ""The if, "after seizing everything aid derived,'' "no guess intended.''''' Wells, 519 482, 499, 117 921, 931, 137 107 (1997) (quoting Reno Koray, 515 50, 64, 115 2021, 2028-2029, 132 46 2059, Ladner 358 169, 178, 79 209, 214, 199 (1958)). ""grievous ambiguity uncertainty' statute.'' Staples 511 600, 619, 17, 1793, 1804, 128 608 (1994) Chapman 453, 463, 1919, 1926, (1991)). Certainly, decision today based much "guess intended,'' "grievous ambiguity'' problem indeed confront never held automatically permits win. 35 sum, "generally accepted contemporary meaning'' warrants circumstances. misuse whose conduct create risks harm aims. 36 reasons, falls decisions 37 ordered. 38 whom THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SCALIA, SOUTER join, dissenting. 39 Section 924(c)(1) Title Code, punishment-enhancing provision; five-year violence "uses,'' context today's question: What enhanced prescription again issue. 40 uncontested conflict.'' 1990) (defining weapons''); ante, __. holds personally possessing, keeping anyplace 41 Without doubt, definable carting encompassing ubiquitously necessary one. Nor, judgment, appears line principle long followed, confine purposes, undoubted expression context. read indicate merely premises bearing manner weapon. 42 note stake petitioners. [on offender's commission offense,] convicted dealer. certainly governs precise length extra punishment,'' §924(c)(1)'s "blunt "mandatory minimum''' sentence, finely tuned "sentencing guideline statutes, drug-related varies seriousness McFadden, 466 1994) (Breyer, dissenting). 44 Accordingly, "gap,'' "ignore[d],'' reject Government's broad specific, cogently explained day writer: 45 "The minimum' says anyone carries' crime' receive sentence. Sentencing Guidelines, promulgated authority §994, provide two-level (i.e., 30% 40%) enhancement "firearm possessed' offender, U.S.S.G. §2D1.1(b)(1), unless clearly "connected [drug] offense.''' 467 underlying crimes involved distribution 3.6 kilograms therefore base offense level 12. Commission, §2D1.1(a)(3) (Nov. 1995). After adjusting acceptance responsibility, §3E1.1(a), final 6-to-12 month range. ch. 5, pt. possessing increased (a range months). words, rigid (tailored 466) months contrast addition mandates.1 47 traffickers significantly caught travelling divides hand, 48 Unlike dictionaries,2 surveys reports,3 Bible4 tell us, dispositively, embedded formulations inter alia, transport, possess, stock, prolong (carry over), infectious, wear person.5 large computer search newspapers revealing light. Carrying showed "perhaps third'' time. Ante, left wonder thirds Surely familiar is, Constitution's Second Amendment ("keep Arms'') added) indicate: "wear, bear, 49 lessons literature, scan Bartlett's quotation collections shows how highly selective choices are. [t]he writers'' hydra-headed arms, head, heart, soul, sans Consider, among countless examples: 50 [H]e gather lambs arm, bosom.'' 40:11. 51 "And still gaz'd, grew, 52 small head knew.'' 53 O. Goldsmith, Deserted Village, ll. 215-216, Poetical Works Oliver Goldsmith (A. Dobson 1949). 54 "There's Legion 'listed, colours crest.'' 56 R. Kipling, Lost Legion, st. Rudyard Kipling's Verse, 1885-1918, 222 (1920). 57 "There homely adage runs, "Speak softly big stick; you go far.' T. Roosevelt, Speech Minnesota State Fair, Sept. 1901, Bartlett, Familiar Quotations 575:16 Kaplan 1992).6 58 lexicological sources demonstrate vividly commonly various messages. Such references, given variety, reliable indicators meant, 59 Noting paradoxical statement, ""I protect house, I've it,''' 143, 505, emphasized importance context-the Just "uses'' "possession,'' employment,'' correspondingly, properly signal dangerous cases-the weapon.7 reasonable comprehend minimums life-jeopardizing gun-connection (guns defendant's hand offense), other, imminently threatening, situations flexible guidelines regime.8 Ninth suggested, apparent dealer's moving sold: "A packs heat hurt someone provoke else violence. tarp bed [or bedroom closet] poses substantially risk.'' 707 1998) (en banc).9 60 itself, appropriate usage 18's "Firearms.'' 505-506, 507 (interpreting light §§922(g), 922(j), 922(k), 922(o)(1), 924(d)(1), 930(a), 930(b)). derive complex thesis ""[c]arry' "transport' distances.'' Looking enacted, finds Legislature acknowledge routinely adhere advances today; instead, sometimes employed according right use. 61 925(a)(2)(B), provides sanction attend transportation [a] ammunition enable received Secretary Army, engage military training competitions.'' text §926A, truncated presents, telling: 62 "Notwithstanding regulation political subdivision thereof, lawful unloaded, readily vehicle: Provided, separate driver's contained console.'' 63 describing travel contains violating law, §§925(a)(2)(B) 926A "impl[y] possession.'' __.10 Reading [one's] fully compatible "Firearms'' statutes.11 §925(a)(2)(B), shooting competition, shoot targets. Under conditions she [C]ourts normally try language related, best reconcile purposes common sense.'' So hand's vehicle.12 65 924(c)(1), foregoing discussion details, decisively way another. sharp division measure confirms, [a]t very least, doubt. circumstances, "where resolved favor defendant.''' Adamo Wrecking Co. 434 275, 284-285, 566, 538 (citation omitted); Granderson, 39, 54, 1259, 1267, 127 611 [W]here text, structure, fail establish position unambiguously correct-we resolve [the defendant's] favor.''). demonstrate.13 hardly implausible odds 66 Overlooking gun-possessing __-__, asks rhetorically: "How car?'' Correspondingly, cover [anyplace] accompanies.'' Congress, lacks competence select "possesses'' "conveys'' means.14 Notably view Legislature's capacity plainly, overriding concern, inquiry pays scant attention core lenity: [B]ecause usually represents moral condemnation community, legislatures courts policy embodies instinctive distaste against men languishing lawmaker should.''' Bass, 404 336, 348, 92 515, 523, 488 (1971) Friendly, Mr. Frankfurter Statutes, Benchmarks 196, 209 (1967)). 67 consistent entail immediacy element. respects system resisting overbroad readings deviate system. 468 fits plausibly chapter, adheres penal choose harsher construction. definite''' wishes impose sterner penalty. 347, 522 Universal C.I.T. Credit Corp., 344 218, 222, 73 227, 229, 97 L.Ed. 260 (1952)). reverse judgments First Fifth Circuits. syllabus constitutes prepared Reporter Decisions convenience reader. Detroit Timber & Lumber Co., 200 321, 337, 282, 287, 499. congressional fairly sophisticated distinguishes kinds behavior punishes accordingly.'' 467-468 minimum'' deviates general installed. "Given (to Congress) system, care [with breadth] deviations congressionally-directed rationalize sentencing.'' 468. note, dictionary cites, restrictively. __; Many newspapers, published stories placements resembling petitioners'. Atlanta Constitution, 27, 1998, 9D, ("House members last week expanded laws allowing restaurants anywhere cars. ''); Tribune, 1997, sports section, ("Disabled hunters permission hunt standing able all-terrain unloaded breech open.''); Telegraph, Aug. 4, 1996, C10 (British require "locked steel bolted onto News, Oct. 26, D14 ("It unlawful afield rifle buckshot, slug, ball loads, cut shells except traveling deer camp target occupants.''); N.Y. July A21, [T]he supposed box trunk.''); Santa Rosa Press Democrat, 28, B1 ("Police volunteers ask participants [their guns] fairgrounds trunks cars.''); Worcester Telegram Gazette, 16, B3 ("Only turned per Guns trunk.'') quotations). translator Good Book, appears, bore responsibility determining Ahaziah corpse Jerusalem. Compare ---------, with, ("His conveyed body Jerusalem.''); Saint Joseph Edition American Bible Tanakh: Holy Scriptures ("They wealth backs asses.''); Jerusalem donkeys' backs.'') 145, 506-507, discrete [t]o good valid,'' of,'' hawk) fist.'' 412 Popular films television productions corroborative illustrations. Magnificent Seven,'' O'Reilly (played Charles Bronson) says: "You am brave gun; well, your fathers braver you, brothers, sisters, mothers.'' http:// us.imdb.com/M/search_quotes?for=carry. series "M*A*S*H,'' Hawkeye Pierce Alan Alda) presciently proclaims: "I I'll books, torch, tune, on, over, forward, Cary Grant, cash me back Virginia, "hari-kari' show how, gun!'' www.geocities.com/Hollywood/8915/mashquotes.html. Government burden proving kept close approximate placement pocket holster, side briefcase handbag, strapped horse. reports "have "carry' observation day. Brief O.T.1995, 94-7448 94-7492, 4. previously yet exactly that. unlike recognizes trunk. (permitting "neither vehicle''); infra, asserts activity.'' "Carry,'' subset seated desk it. Yes, interchangeably, settled constructions gave meanings. 145-146, 506-507. alert vehicles, illustrates. preserves altogether synonymous Tellingly, referring "transport''; nn. 13, 14. points numerous authorize notes authorizing provisions, course "both vehicle.'' 31-32, 18. Quite right. viewers "Sesame Street'' quickly "one things [a conduct] conduct].'' accorded legislation enforcers performance official duties. fundamental, generously favor. 522-523, (1971). places undue reliance Representative statement ""to home.''' (1968)). argued brief Bailey: "In making Poff "carries' prong original 924(c). "unlawful' thus applied instance, permit force "persuading' home.' Instead, "uses' 924(c).'' 28. next confirms speaking "Any understand convicted, jail.'' Cong.Rec., Any doubt score dispelled examining "carry'': §922(a)(5) ("carry bequest''); §§922(s)(6)(B)(ii), (iii) subsection''); §922(u) firearm]''); U.S.C.A. §924(a)(6)(B)(ii) (Supp.1998) discharge handgun''); §924(e)(2)(B) ("carrying firearm''); §925(a)(2) ("carried person''); §926(a) chapter''); ("lawfully §929(a)(1) armor piercing ammunition''); §930(d)(3) ("lawful facility incident hunting purposes'') ("if juvenile violence''); ("may §2277 ("brings, carries, weapon'')

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