Document: 455 U.S. 642 102 S.Ct. 1332 71 L.Ed.2d 522 Charles Ronald McELROY, Petitionerv.UNITED STATES. No. 80-6680. Argued Jan. 12, 1982. Decided March 23, Rehearing Denied May 3, See 456 965, 2047. Syllabus Petitioner was convicted in Federal District Court of two counts violating 18 U.S.C. § 2314, which prohibits the transportation "in interstate or foreign commerce [of] any . forged securities ., knowing same to have been forged." The proof at trial showed that blank checks had stolen Ohio and several months later petitioner used checks, on signatures forged, pay for a car boat trailer purchased separate transactions Pennsylvania. court instructed jury order find guilty, it must he transported condition "interstate commerce," such could take place entirely within Pennsylvania if "continuation movement began out state." rejected petitioner's objection instruction asserted ground under 2314 Government burden proving before being across state lines Appeals affirmed convictions. Held: Section does not require were taken lines, thus court's instructions correct. Pp. 647-659. (a) Use past tense "forged" establish Congress' intent prohibit only crossing lines. use phrase commerce" rather than "state borders," as well legislative history phrase, shows Congress intended be broad scope this Court's decisions holding begins are crossed ends when item question has ceased destination State. Moreover, 2314's purpose aiding States detection punishment criminals who evade authorities by using channels supports conclusion federal prosecutors prove 648-656. (b) language raise significant questions ambiguity sufficient warrant application principle lenity construction favor. United v. Bass, 404 336, 92 515, 30 488, distinguished. 657-658. 644 F.2d 274, affirmed. Thomas S. White, Pittsburgh, Pa., petitioner. Carter G. Phillips, Dept. Justice, Washington, D. C., respondent. Justice O'CONNOR delivered opinion Court. 1 transporting security violation 2314. He challenges his conviction statute requires proof, concededly lacking trial, Because conflict among Circuits issue statutory construction, we granted certiorari. 454 815, 91, 70 83 (1981). For reasons stated below, affirm conviction. 2 * McElroy indicted grand three counts. Counts 3 charged occasions falsely made from National Stolen Property Act.1 Count with 2312.2 According checks3 Local 125 Laborers' International Union Youngstown, Ohio, late early April 1977. After discovered theft, closed account drawn. Seventeen later, October 1978, ordered Corvette Don Allen Chevrolet Agency $6,706. Using name "William Jones," told salesman lived Warrenville Heights, but worked Pittsburgh area. returned next day paid one signature forged. learning following drawee bank closed, dealership no effort negotiate check. This transaction formed basis count (transportation check commerce) vehicle, Corvette, indictment. 4 In December sought purchase Rini Marine Sales Co. Beaver Falls, Pa. Adhering previously successful scheme, fictitious Jones" gave an address residence. One week after initial inquiry Too late, Philip Rini, owner Sales, became suspicious telephoned learn He, too, abandoned hope negotiating check, turned Bureau Investigation help. arose transaction. 5 At Government's case, moved judgment acquittal all submitted evidence case go jury. contended entitled because failed submit showing adduced caused brought through into denied these motions.4 6 rested,5 guilty State Tr. 164A.6 unsuccessfully objected instruction, contending line 92A. counts, sentenced serve seven years each five 2, sentences run concurrently. 7 Appeals, sitting en banc, vacated presented insufficient sustain conviction.7 274 (CA3 1981) (en banc). however, convictions, judge correctly need "It is immaterial whether If point condition, satisfied." Id., 279. All agreed majority's 2314.8 II 8 construction.9 claims demonstrate congressional limit reach provision those persons transport As fallback position, contends expression sufficiently ambiguous apply construe favor.10 9 bases argument urges us infer entering stream commerce, Fundamental unarticulated assumption section, continue border. However, subsequent constitutes then forgery course involves Thus, validity turns comprehends 10 paragraph "transport[ation] Title provides "term 'interstate commerce,' title, includes between another State." On their face, provisions limited unlawful activities occur while borders, seemingly broader reach. particular, suggests sole manifestation commerce."11 11 origin element Motor Vehicle Theft Act (Dyer Act), 41 Stat. 324,12 enacted 1919 provide "severe stealing automobiles commerce." H.R.Rep.No.312, 66th Cong., 1st Sess., (1919). S.Rep.No.202, (1919) (describing bill designed "punish motor vehicles commerce"). Representative Dyer, sponsor enacted, defended authority enact proposed law, noting courts upheld variety regulatory statutes Commerce Clause, including criminal declaring "[l]arceny goods railroad cars 58 Cong.Rec. 5472 (1919).13 response Anderson concerning possible differences meaning §§ Act, Dyer replied: 12 "[I]f there difference there, I do see, matter would construed Supreme Court, passed many times upon what meant Ibid.14 13 Plainly, chief bill, believed found previous define Clause. also 3-4 (justifying reference plenary power Clause regulate commerce). 14 Although House Report accompanying Members during debates, prevent lines,15 more general its reliance constitutional defining indicate 1919.16 decisions, clear crossed, State.17 We conclude, therefore, proscribe may border crossed. Consequently, McElroy's violate 164A.18 15 underlying leads conclude did intend Sheridan, 329 379, 384, 67 332, 335, 91 L.Ed. 359 (1946), observed "contemplated coming aid states detecting punishing whose offenses complete utilize make getaway state's punitive processes impotent" (footnote omitted). Given purpose, difficult believe, absent some indication itself history, undercut sharply hobbling combat crime commerce. Under patient forger easily yet operate commerce.19 points brief, moreover, produces anomalous result committed until victims out-of-state payment. Brief 18, n. 1120 While written produce result, adopt reading.21 B 16 argues alternatively even reading clearly support interpretation, should resolved narrowly line. support, cites 488 (1971), where considered challenge App. 1202(a), felon "receiv[ing], possess[ing], transport[ing] affecting firearm." framed modified "possesses" "transports," since respondent, felon, possession shotgun, show possessed firearm both question, decided grounds read narrowly, is, modifying "transports." reasoned encourage speak clearly, giving populace "fair warning" lawful activity, Legislature, courts, activity. 347-348, 522-523. Also, statement Congress, unwilling way encroach traditional area jurisdiction. 17 present ambiguity, defined term broadly contends. hold cases 1919. Bramblett, 348 503, 509-510, 75 504, 508, 99 594 (1955), although "criminal strictly mean every given narrowest disregard legislature" omitted).22 III Through Based they forgeries occurred state," though restricted Accordingly, below. 19 So ordered. 20 STEVENS, dissenting. 21 words "transportation appear host statutes.1 These vehicles, prostitutes, explosives, obscene materials, kidnap victims, counterfeit phonograph records, numerous other items. predicate jurisdiction might reasonably identified either ways: first, language, subject line; second, reads merely journey. 22 indicates assume, contrary evidence, forge side holds proves pertinent part proscribes checks.2 long defendant's journey another. Consistent rationale, necessary proved lines.3 analysis, violated left home picked up negotiated Falls.4 23 consistently applied jurisdictional appears, extremely important case. situation carried State, very significant. illogical way, review relevant will extended logical conclusion. That demonstrates, today's faithfully reflect Congress. 24 "[T]he ascribed commerce' 2314." Ante, 647, n.9. More specifically, "whether [wholly] State," ante, 648, correct "to lines," 647. answer looks precursor retained 2314; our purposes, enactments 1934 1939 expanded coverage types property securities, respectively. 25 proscribes, accurate paraphrase, vehicles. 325. standing alone, admittedly ambiguous. It clarified 2(b) statute, "[t]he shall include Ibid. Any lingering dispelled history. 26 problem rise legislation, Judiciary Committee reported, "[t]hieves steal them ofttimes associates receive sell machines." (hereafter H.R.Rep.No.312). discussion manifested intention problem: "The law punish theft removing can questioned," id., 3; "[n]o good reason exists why invested States, polluted carrying another," 4. introducing House, opened remarks stating "this providing automobile trucks taking 5470 described precursors 2315, follows: 27 provides, gentlemen, things. thief receipt thieves selling disposing it." 28 Igoe offense reached act transportation, line, another." 5473. Senator Cummins, Senate, 6433. explained: 29 "I want Senators know is. favorite thefts near quickly great difficulty securing offender. offender." Ibid.5 Bee, like Reavis, "single[d] automobiles" special treatment. Reavis "be glad indeed vote making felony kind 31 expansive interpretation far expressed Committees offers none withstands analysis. A. 32 first that, vehicles" vehicles." reasoning text, flawed respects. 33 First, proscription vehicles," focusing phrases interchangeably formulation included bill. illustrated Dyer's descriptions example, final sentence, suppress Two pursuant "provide inconceivable legislators various phrases6 nevertheless 34 second flaw textual analysis definition 1336. commerce', merits reiteration, much 1934. "shall 325 (emphasis added). 2(a) enactment 48 794 When revised Criminal Code 1948, consolidated definitions 10. Reviser's Notes "[i]n addition slight improvements style, word 'commerce' substituted 'transportation' avoid narrower connotation obviously 'transportation.' " purposes divining enacting 1919, 1934, amendments thereto 1939, refer Congresses understood statutes. 35 There explanation—albeit arguably so less ambitious. explanation derived constitutionality justified expositions infers "Congress 1919." 653. examined lenses instead distance six decades, supportable source conduct regulated solely States. 36 words, "justif[ied] 652. From Report, draws logically follow premise without 37 cited paragraph: 38 questioned, view laws similar nature heretofore touching same." 3. 39 establishes (1) objective another, (2) confident accomplished interpreted Report's justifies Committee's confidence Act. Indeed, penultimate explains just how Clause;7 paragraph's closing quotes, 650, declared Congress." But proposing expressly linked objective: "No 40 shared Newton detail practice driving pursued police 5474-5475 summarizing legislation,8 constitutionality: "But seriously argued pass law; legislation invasion rights you study kindred subjects sustaining believe doubt remain mind most ardent States-rights advocate powers subject." 5475. discussed number repeatedly compared therein considering: 42 "In face read, yielding profit person commerce'? 43 44 "Thus particular vehicle article nor specific purpose. become live stock driven foot. 45 46 "If diseased cattle held decision cited, Railroad Hus[e]n (95 465 [24 527] ), certainly falls term. 47 woman means automobile, prostitution, argued, color, commerce?" 5475-5476. statements absence legislator manifest referred construing simply articulate automobiles. suggestion incorporated quite implausible. C 49 leg colloquy Representatives Dyer: 50 "Mr. ANDERSON. ask gentleman committee thing section 4? 51 DYER. think so. wherein differs, glad. 52 constituting scarcely sensible section. 53 say really put done request members committee. myself necessary." 5472. 54 Since places answer, see 650-652, careful parsing necessary. provided proscribed receipt, concealment, storage, bartering, sale, disposition "moving as, of, Anderson's confusion understandable: terms transportation; 4, seemed constituted apart it.9 understand perceived sections insofar concerned. knew correctly; indeed, saw Even said willing defer did. contained confusing interprets today. nothing answer. 55 Interestingly, colloquy, Hastings Saunders, about bill: 56 HASTINGS. direct gentleman's attention Suppose stolen, say, Virginia sold knows 57 SAUNDERS Virginia. not. How be? Up dignity offense. anyone receiving gone perceive closely. 59 10, says: 60 Moving 61 "And answers Oklahoma." 5477 62 Immediately asked vote, successor seem notwithstanding observation. event, statute's 63 property.10 little debate, confirms above. property" property." Senate "concerned [with] S.Rep.No.538, 73d 2d (1934). "[t]his property, money." H.R.Rep.No.1462, noted "[p]revious bills shipment Ashurst Senate: Gangsters now convey except immemorial gesture derision, thumb nose officers. extends [Dyer Act] bill." 78 6981 Also Reports substantiated enactment, time upholding supra, 2; 2. 64 additional consideration. Department memorandum reprinted explained troubles attempts extending faced: 65 opposition federalizing crimes concern developed over burdening machinery administering justice. 1930. heavy placed concerned apparent." 66 therefore involving worth $1,000 more. increased $5,000, explanation: too undertake apprehend prosecute substantive regard amount involved. minimum valuations fixed required give figures recommended Attorney General." 68 acceded increase. recognized enforcement resources. recognition makes likely extend beyond property. 69 Quoting 359, declares [enacting] 'contemplated impotent.' 654. Ironically, quote actually refutes position. assumes, must, petitioner—forging check—was commenced getaway. Rather, defendant offense.11 ironic thrice transportation" securities. U.S., 385, 387, S.Ct., 334, 336. Remarkably, today significance referring Congresses, rejects narrow. IV prosecuted wrong generate sympathy.12 Our primary concern, fate defendant. identify responsibility enforcement. determine. me allowed prosecutor cross respectfully dissent. part: "Whoever, fraudulent intent, transports made, altered, counterfeited tax stamps, "Shall fined $10,000 imprisoned ten years, both." 2312 provides: "Whoever aircraft, $5,000 2311 2311-2318, "[s]ecurities check." 68A-78A. introduced evidence. entire "Well, [interstate commerce] continuing movements state, Pennsylvania, ceased. "Now, condition. here, continuation state. exclude speculative possibility interrupted point, step security's shown Defendant requirements satisfied originate sometime effect involved indictment started started." 164A-165A. bench lawyers, further jury: "As convinces reasonable Chevrolet, Pennsylvania." 181A. Appeals' vacating Judge Adams, joined Chief Seitz, concurred majority dissented vacated. Garth affirmance arguing Higginbotham holdings ambiguous, consequently against concedes Art. I, 8, cl. (which Power To States"), prohibiting challenged sufficiency petition writ certiorari, grant certiorari issue. accept jury's finding "on occasion [the petitioner] trip him 279 1981). predecessor "Sec. .: "(b) .. whoever cause punished fine imprisonment both. receive, conceal, store, barter, sell, dispose moving cover 794, Aug. 1178. Sections codified 2313 None debates amendments, contains requirement. (1934) (stating new "designed money," "drafted frequently courts"); (approving penalty knowingly commerce"); H.R.Rep.No.422, 76th (1939) "widens applicable embezzled money"); S.Rep.No.674, letter General "principal pending existing embezzled, securities"). Obviously, larceny exact moment fair example Of course, refers dissenting ignores "include" choosing "objective Post, 666. "bill drafted courts." "change [statutory] change purpose," Johnson 225 405, 415, 748, 751, 1142 (1912), inference "a workable rule infallible guide cannot overcome persuasive evidence." Dickerson, 310 554, 561, 1034, 1038, 84 1356 (1940). variation changed importantly, language. modification resubstituting substituting "commerce" "transportation." (noting machines"); ("The questioned"); ("No another"); (remarks Rep. Dyer) State"); ("Section 5473 Reavis) "felony ibid. Igoe) 6433 Sen. Cummins) of" carry lines). statements, purports Nor transportation' lines." J., dissenting, post, 663-664. principally borders cars, statute. Instead, comprehensive punishment. opinion's alternative explanation—that authority," 665—is unpersuasive. supporters justify constitutionality, constitutionally legislation. rational specify Act—thefts Some indicated coextensive Roselli, 432 879, 891 (CA9 1970) conditioning [§ 2314's] prohibitions exercise power"), cert. denied, 401 924, 883, 828 (1971); Ludwig, 523 705, 707 (CA8 1975) (same), 423 1076, 96 861, 86 (1976). Champion Ames, 188 321, 358, 327, 492 (1903) (illustrating form prohibition, "it doubted [cattle be] inspected begins"); Southern Pacific Terminal ICC, 219 498, 527, 279, 288, (1911) (goods 'actually [are] carrier ") (quoting Coe Errol, 116 517, 525, 475, 477, 715 (1886) ); Texas & N.O.R. Sabine Tram Co., 227 111, 122-123, 229, 233, 442 (1913); Illinois Central R. Fuentes, 236 157, 163, 275, 276, 517 (1915) ("generally character acquired continues least load reaches parties originally finally end"). extensions original meaning. fact, continued e.g., Champlain Realty Brattleboro, 260 366, 146, 309 (1922); Carson Petroleum Vial, 95, 292, 73 626 (1929), ample facts illustrate point. petitioner, 16A, unknown car. Requiring fact longer journey, serves addition, recognized, investigate fully compel witnesses testify. 5475 Newton) ("all anywhere compelled testify [before jury], full investigation called barrier having swept away, open court"). Absent jurisdiction, impossible, extraordinarily difficult, officials write checks. foundation fear expansion law. 660. implications transaction—obtaining forging purchasing boat, returning collection—had seems "transport[ed] light holding, dissent's overburdening prosecutorial resources, 674, misplaced. Pereira 347 1, 9, 74 363, 98 435 (1954) (holding fraudulently obtained sent collection, 'caused' check] position dissuade conclusion, based Owens, 460 467, 469 (CA5 1972), quoted held, citation authority, "is obvious commission portion instrument traveled altered condition." Hilyer, 543 41, 1976) (citing Owens proposition lines); Sparrow, 635 796 (CA10 1980) banc) Hilyer "the plain 2314] prosecution passage"), 450 1004, 101 1717, 209 note consistent Ajlouny, 629 830 (CA2 1980), 449 1111, 920, 840 (1981), reviewed "foreign aspect arrested shortly shipped telephone equipment New York Doha, Qatar. claim international boundary aiming technical wanted shipments crossing." F.2d, 837. Barfield 229 936 1956), 2312, supra. failure acquittal. "[A]ny driving, wholly origin, destination, to, substantial furtherance think, act." 939. Lambert, 580 740, 743 1978). Cases reviewing statutes, slightly different arrive Tobin, 576 687 (CA5), 439 1051, 731, 711 (1978), defendants conspiring constitute 2315. defendants' rest, "[s]o prerequisite 2315 692. Luman, 624 152, 155 (18 2315); Licavoli, 604 613, 624-625 1979) 2315), 446 935, 100 2151, 787 (1980); Garber, 1144, 1148 (construing 659, "[d]elays enroute deprive characterization destination"), 1079 (1981); Maddox, 394 297, 299-300 (CA4 1968) 659); Hiscott, 586 1271, 1274 1978) 2313); Goble, 512 458, (CA6 2313). reject "expand field fraud." 23. forgers boundaries authorities. Had See, 844(d) (explosives); 924(b) (1976 ed., Supp.IV) (firearms); 1201(a)(1) (kidnaping); 1231 (strikebreaking); 1301 (lotteries); 1465 (obscenity); 2251, 2252 (sexual exploitation children); (stolen aircraft); (other property); 2318 (counterfeit records), 2421 (prostitution); 2511(1)(b)(iii), 2512(1) (electronic eavesdropping). here. 645-646, 6, equally test "movement" contraband "within 648. unclear. 282, (Garth, concurring dissenting). Likewise, transcontinental hitchhiker stole Philadelphia Later, Cummins close thing, stolen. possible, party, confederate otherwise, gets man barters sells disposes thereof, conceals probably embrace reached." 6434 5472-5473 (Rep. Reavis); Igoe); 5474-5476 Newton); 6433-6434 (Sen. Cummins). regulation uniformly sustained courts. Among relating safety appliances, hours labor employees, monthly reports accidents, arbitration controversies railroads exclusion impure lottery tickets, employers' liability, etc. Specific act, forbidden combinations pools maintenance rates, antitrust July 1890, contract combination trust conspiracy restraint trade crime, punishable such. Larceny "That crying relief rapidly growing evil question. unable effectively deal demonstrated. 90 per cent recovered disposed of. takes sphere control, asserts passage consideration." adopted whereas other. curious discussion, n.14. forgeries. Oral Arg. 11. paragraphs 285 (Higginbotham, part); 18.

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