Legal Document

503 U.S. 540 112 S.Ct. 1535 118 L.Ed.2d 174 Keith JACOBSON, Petitionerv.UNITED STATES. No. 90-1124. Argued Nov. 6, 1991. Decided April 1992. Syllabus At a time when federal law permitted such conduct, petitioner Jacobson ordered and received from bookstore two Bare Boys magazines containing photographs of nude preteen teenage boys. Subsequently, the Child Protection Act 1984 made illegal receipt through mails sexually explicit depictions children. After finding Jacobson's name on mailing list, Government agencies sent mail to him five fictitious organizations bogus pen pal, explore his willingness break law. Many those represented that they were founded protect promote sexual freedom choice promoted lobbying efforts catalog sales. Some mailings raised spectre censorship. responded some correspondence. 21/2 years was solicited order child pornography. He answered letter described concern about pornography as hysterical nonsense decried international censorship, then magazine depicting young boys engaged in activities. arrested after controlled delivery photocopy magazine, but search house revealed no materials other than by magazines. jury trial, he pleaded entrapment testified had been curious know type actions which last referred shocked because not expected receive minors. convicted, Court Appeals affirmed. Held: The prosecution failed, matter law, adduce evidence support verdict predisposed, independent Government's acts beyond reasonable doubt, violate receiving mails. In their zeal enforce agents may originate criminal design, implant an innocent person's mind disposition commit act, induce commission crime so prosecute. Sorrells v. United States, 287 435, 442, 53 210, 212, 77 L.Ed. 413. simply offered opportunity pornography, promptly availed himself opportunity. target 26 months repeated communications, has failed carry its burden proving predisposition attention. preinvestigation evidence—the magazines—merely indicates generic inclination act within broad range, all is criminal. Furthermore, acting magazines, did would depict As for gathered during investigation, responses many communications prior at most indicative certain personal inclinations inference predisposed Act. On hand, strong arguable that, waving banner individual rights disparaging legitimacy constitutionality restrict availability materials, only excited interest material banned also exerted substantial pressure obtain read part fight against censorship infringement rights. Thus, rational jurors could find doubt possessed requisite before investigation it existed varied approaches him. Pp. 548-554. 916 F.2d 467 (CA 8 1990), reversed. WHITE, J., delivered opinion Court, BLACKMUN, STEVENS, SOUTER, THOMAS, JJ., joined. O'CONNOR, filed dissenting opinion, REHNQUIST, C.J., KENNEDY, joined, SCALIA, joined except Part II. George H. Moyer, Jr., Madison, Neb., petitioner. Paul J. Larkin, Washington, D.C., respondent. Justice WHITE Court. 1 September 24, 1987, indicted violating provision 1984, Pub.L. 98-292, 98 Stat. 204 (Act), criminalizes knowing "visual depiction [that] involves use minor engaging conduct. . ." 18 U.S.C. § 2252(a)(2)(A). Petitioner defended ground entrapped into committing series undercover spanned preceding arrest. found guilty trial. affirmed conviction, holding carried hence entrapped. 2 Because overstepped line between setting trap "unwary innocent" criminal," Sherman 356 369, 372, 78 819, 821, 848 (1958), establish independently arrested, we reverse Appeals' judgment affirming conviction. 3 * February petitioner, 56-year-old veteran-turned-farmer who supported elderly father Nebraska, brochure California adult bookstore. entitled I II, contained contents startled "young men or older." Tr. 425. cross-examination, explained response magazines: 4 "[PROSECUTOR]: [Y]ou surprised there pictures very without clothes on, correct? 5 "[JACOBSON]: Yes, was. 6 Were you offended? 7 offended thought these nudist publication. out rural outdoor setting. There was—I didn't draw any connotation connection with that." Id., 463. 9 depicted activity, petitioner's legal under both Nebraska Within three months, respect changed; Congress passed illegalizing month new became postal inspectors list mailed followed over next years, agencies, ordering children mail. 10 began January 1985 inspector supposedly American Hedonist Society, fact organization. included membership application stated Society's doctrine: members "right what desire, right discuss similar interests share our philosophy, finally have seek pleasure restrictions being placed us outdated puritan morality." Record, Exhibit 7. enrolled organization returned attitude questionnaire asked rank scale one four enjoyment various "really enjoy," "enjoy," "somewhat "do enjoy." ranked entry "[p]re-teen sex" two, indicated opposed pedophilia. Ibid. 11 For time, left alone. But "prohibited specialist" Postal Service file, 328-331, May 1986, solicitation second consumer research company, "Midlands Data Research," seeking "believe joys sex complete awareness lusty youthful lads lasses neophite [sic] age." 8. never whether "neophite" minors adults. responded: "Please feel free send me more information, am interested sexuality. Please keep my confidential." 12 heard yet another creation, "Heartland Institute New Tomorrow" (HINT), proclaimed "an choice. We believe arbitrarily imposed legislative sanctions restricting your should be rescinded process." Defendant's 102. enclosed survey. "[p]reteen sex-homosexual" above average, high. question, wrote: "Not expression press attack. must ever vigilant counter attack wing fundamentalists are determined curtail freedoms." 9. 13 "HINT" replied, portraying itself repeal "all statutes regulate activities, laws deal violent behavior, rape. HINT eliminate definition 'the age consent'." 113. These funded sales published future "offering sale items will interesting stimulating." provided computer matching group survey responses; and, although supplied potential "pen pals," initiate 14 Nevertheless, writing using pseudonym "Carl Long." letters employed tactic known "mirroring," "reflect[ing] whatever person to." 342. first, indicating primarily "male-male items." 9A. Inspector "Long" wrote back: 15 "My too male-male items. Are satisfied VCR tapes available? Personally, like amateur stuff better if well produced can get kinky seems real. think actors enjoy more." 13. 16 "As far likes concerned, good looking guys (in late teens early 20's) doing thing together." 14. 17 Petitioner's reference letters, discontinued By March 34 since obtained bookstore, commenced Although surveys intentionally exposed checked determine questionable persons—other involved industry. 348. 19 this point, agency, Customs Service, own sting, "Operation Borderline," lists submitted Service. 71-72. Using Canadian company called "Produit Outaouais," advertising sex. 22. filled. 24. 20 continued case, "Far Eastern Trading Company Ltd." began: 21 know, much appeared media concerning 'pornography' done stop coming across borders. This brief does allow give comments; however, why government spending millions dollars exercise while tons drugs, makes yours world's ridden country easily." 1. went say: 22 "[W]e devised method getting prying eyes seizing consultations solicitors, advised once posted system, cannot opened inspection authorization judge." 23 invited information. It sign affirmation "not enforcement officer agent capacity purpose entrapping Far Company, customers." responded. A catalogue sent, id., 2, Who Love Boys, 3, pornographic magazine. 24 When trial order, succeeded piquing curiosity: 25 "Well, statement trouble hysteria wanted see describe the—I sure kind action referring letter. 427-428. home, course protracted indicate collected actively 27 2552(a)(2)(A). court instructed defense,1 divided Eighth Circuit, sitting en banc, affirmed, concluding "Jacobson law." 467, 470 (1990). granted certiorari. 499 ----, 111 1618, 113 716 (1991). II 28 dispute evils difficulties encountered eliminating it. See generally Osborne Ohio, 495 103, 110, 110 1691, 1696, 109 (1990); York Ferber, 458 747, 759-760, 102 3348, 3355-3356, 73 1113 (1982). Likewise, "It settled officers employees merely afford opportunities facilities offense defeat prosecution. Artifice stratagem catch enterprises." 441, 413 (1932); U.S., S.Ct., 820; States Russell, 411 423, 435-436, 93 1637, 1644-1645, 36 366 (1973). 29 Sorrells, supra, 212; Sherman, 820. Where induced defense issue, prove defendant disposed first approached agents. Whoie, 288 U.S.App.D.C. 261, 263-264, 925 1481, 1483-1484 (1991).2 30 deployed traffic drugs offer buy sell accepted, make arrest spot later. typical elaborate "sting" operation involving government-sponsored fencing where crime, little ready amply demonstrates defendant's predisposition. 200 880, 882 (CA2 1952). Had case mails, petitioner—who presumed law—had opportunity, unlikely warranted instruction. Mathews 485 58, 66, 108 883, 886, 99 54 (1988). 31 happened here. already organizations. Therefore, become view product attention directed 1985. 213; 32 prosecution's falls categories: developed Service's campaign, investigation. sole piece scant proof character know. sexually-oriented responsive tastes; criminal, probative value establishing 33 Receipt noncommercial until forbade possession 1988. Neb.Rev.Stat. 28-813.01 (1989). Evidence do lawful not, itself, sufficient show now illegal, common understanding people obey even disapprove obedience reflect generalized legality fear prosecution, reason, law's prohibitions matters consequence. Hence, legally further act. particularly true given unchallenged testimony arrived fails burden. ultimate inclinations, including agenda supporting Even so, hardly mails.3 "fantasies reach government. Paris Adult Theatre Slaton, 49, 67, 2628, 2641, 37 446 (1973); Stanley Georgia, 394 557, 565-566, 89 1243, 1248, 542 (1969). 35 instance, choice" "the appropriate means accomplish [its] objectives honest dialogue among concerned individuals continue State Legislators." financed Mailings equally 7, correspondence non-existent Carl Long, 5, endorsed themes. Similarly, solicitations spring 1987 suggesting ought allowed do. worldwide ban intense material," observed "what commonplace 'underground' secretive service," emphasized "[t]his environment forces take extreme measures" insure delivery. "hysterical nonsense," "international censorship," assured based consultation "American solicitors" judge. affirm attempting entrap customers. particulars, suggested something enough intended create predisposition, 374, 822. willing came devoted convincing engage behavior proscribed Rational say [may not] pla[y] weaknesses party beguil[e] crimes otherwise attempted." 376, 38 Law officials go "implant alleged prosecute." 212-213, (emphasis added). Like court, "unable conclude intention enacting statute processes detection abused instigation persons lure them punish them." 448, 215. quest convictions leads apprehension law-abiding citizen who, devices, likely run afoul courts intervene. 39 conviction Jacobson. 40 ordered. 41 whom THE CHIEF JUSTICE KENNEDY join, SCALIA joins dissenting. 42 Both times, more. needed coax, threaten, persuade him; played sympathies, friendship, greater good. fact, contacted face-to-face. contends enthusiasm Mr. chance permissibly infer crime. agree. Cf. Hunt, 749 1078, 1085 (CA4 1984) (ready shows predisposition), cert. denied, 472 1018, 105 3479, 87 614 (1985); Kaminski, 703 1004, 1008 (CA7 1983) (" important factor evidenced reluctance activity overcome inducement' ") (quoting Reynoso-Ulloa, 548 1329, 1336 (CA9 1977), 436 926, 2820, 56 769 (1978)); 1952) (indication " 'as evinced complaisance' (citation omitted). 43 set advertised picturing fun." following note order: "I decided place order. If product, later." reasons undisclosed record, delivered. 44 "Boys Boys," as: "11 year old every way possible. Oral, anal heavy masturbation. love boys, delighted this." 2. Along note: "Will want discreet me." 3. 45 admittedly away. Instead, questionnaires subject matter. Indeed, "cold call" business risk rebuff suspicion, might shock offend uninitiated, expose suggestive materials. FCC Pacifica Foundation, 438 726, 748, 3026, 3040, 57 1073 (1978) (right offensive one's home); 3010 (regulating materials). gave investigators reason 46 concludes basis catalogs, though admits Government, holds, provide obvious "was petitioner." Ante, 550. holding, acknowledge reasonableness jury's evidence, redefines "predisposition," introduces requirement sting operations suspicion contacting suspect. 47 held previously assessed involved. 372-376, 820-823, (1958). also, Williams, 705 603, 618, n. (CA2), 464 1007, 104 524, 708 (1983). Until actually suggestion said "implant[ed] commission. (1932). repeatedly unsuccessfully coaxed ultimately succeeding playing sympathy. lack numerous unsuccessful attempts preliminary contacts defendant. 48 Today, holds conduct considered view, changes doctrine. Generally, inquiry suspect induces initial contact here inducement; suggest activity. fail. Yet arose, scene. 548-549. 49 rule misread lower requiring seeks Surely intend impose requirement, mean begins condition imposed. denies affect run-of-the-mill operations, ante, 549-550, hopes says. Nonetheless, claim soliciting "created" before. example, bribe taker description amount money available enticing implanted accept later offered. drug buyer drug's purity effects tempting created urge try time. short, Court's prohibit seductions operation, creating suspects. That limitation especially hamper one, mimic genuine purveyors No protest stand proposition, apparent principled distinguishing scenarios exposes flaw limited today adopts. 50 troubling distinguish highlights temptation threatens, coerces, fulfill obligation. liquor, coaxing accede "one former war buddy liquor another." 440, 212. pretending going withdrawal begging relieve distress helping drugs. 371, 51 comparable. While states "exerted rights," 552, looks record vain "substantial pressure." finds advocating liberalize obscenity laws, easily ignored thrown Much later, separate catalogs Nowhere proceeds used reforms. catalog, 113, nearly different entities (Produit Outaouais Company), political purposes. 22, Nor organizing civil disobedience movement, breaking them. Contrary gloss suggestions illegality buyers beware, increased mystique offered: "[f]or enjoyed mail." curiosity 'all hysteria' about, 547, certainly susceptible interpretation. And charged obligation interpreting sum, construe light favorable inferences favor. surely 52 puzzling redefinition acknowledges "[p]etitioner's 551. true, matter; Yet, concludes, "petitioner's mails." add Not here, sex, knowingly so. violated require specific intent law; requires visual 2252(a)(2); Moncini, 401, 404-406 1989). Under analysis, need convict. ignores element elements track meant defendants committed anyway, absent inducement. convicted inducement not. purchases relevance question suggests, dispositive. 55 crux "abused" "processes enforcement" luring 553, quoting Consequently, was, task, conscience community, decide participant dupe. traditional "defense arbitrary enforcement." Duncan Louisiana, 391 145, 156, 88 1444, 1451, 491 (1968). overzealous enforcement, constituted entrapment, issue jury. 452, 216. fully accurately nonetheless guilty. uphold verdict, respectfully dissent. instructed: mentioned, issues "If law-enforcement persuaded o[r] charged, easier participated essential crime." App. 11-12. Inducement case. intervened. dissent mistaken claiming innovation moment irrelevant. post, 556-557. rejected arguments decades ago "for creative officials" "is position object activities representatives relation accused. 451, proposition accused firmly established conceded point oral argument, submitting state commencement Oral Arg. 41, 49. long-established standard encroaches upon investigatory internal guidelines unless: "(a) indication, information informants means, engaging, engaged, type; "(b) structured believing drawn brought it, contemplated activity." Attorney General's Guidelines FBI Undercover Operations (Dec. 31, 1980), reprinted S.Rep. 97-682, p. 551 hold, 559-560; required coaxing.

Classification Label: 0