Document: 476 U.S. 16 106 S.Ct. 1677 90 L.Ed.2d 15 Lamont Julius McLAUGHLIN, Petitionerv.UNITED STATES. No. 85-5189. Argued March 31, 1986. Decided April 29, Syllabus On the basis of his display an unloaded handgun in course a bank robbery, petitioner was convicted under 18 U.S.C. § 2113(d), which provides enhanced penalty for assault by use "dangerous weapon" during robbery. Held: An is within meaning 2113(d). Pp. 17-18. Affirmed. STEVENS, J., delivered opinion unanimous Court. Stephen J. Cribari, Baltimore, Md., petitioner. Christopher Wright, Washington, D.C., respondent. Justice STEVENS 1 The question presented whether federal robbery statute. 2 At about 9:30 a.m. on July 26, 1984, and companion, both wearing stocking masks gloves, entered Baltimore. Petitioner thereupon displayed dark ordered everyone to put hands up not move. While remained lobby area holding gun, companion vaulted counter placed $3,400 brown paper bag. two robbers were apprehended police officer as they left bank. Petitioner's gun loaded. 3 pleaded guilty charges larceny and, stipulated evidence, found "by dangerous weapon."1 latter conviction depends validity District Court's conclusion that petitioner's Court Appeals agreed with Court, so do we.2 4 Three reasons, each independently sufficient, support weapon." First, article typically characteristically dangerous; it manufactured sold one, law reasonably may presume such always even though be armed at particular time or place. In addition, instills fear average citizen;3 consequence, creates immediate danger violent response will ensue. Finally, can cause harm when used bludgeon. 5 Accordingly, judgment 6 statute, 2113, pertinent part: "(a) Whoever, force violence, intimidation, takes, attempts take, from person presence another any property money other thing value belonging to, care, custody, control, management, possession of, bank, credit union, savings loan association . * "Shall fined more than $5,000 imprisoned twenty years, both. "(b) Whoever takes carries away, intent steal purloin, exceeding $100 association, shall ten both; "(d) committing, attempting commit, offense defined subsections (a) (b) this section, assaults person, puts jeopardy life weapon device, $10,000 twenty-five both." We granted certiorari, 474 944, 308, 88 285 (1985), resolve apparent conflict. See, e.g., United States v. Wardy, 777 F.2d 101, 105-106 (CA2 1985); Terry, 760 939, 942 (CA9 1985). floor debate provision became 2113(d) indicates Congress regarded incitement sufficient characterize apparently (such wooden gun) "dangerous" See 78 Cong.Rec. 8132 (1934) (colloquy among Reps. Sumners, Blanton, Dockweiler).

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