Legal Document

477 U.S. 556 106 S.Ct. 2683 91 L.Ed.2d 459 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF the TREASURY, BUREAU ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS, Appellantv.Anthony J. GALIOTO. No. 84-1904. Argued March 26, 1986. Decided June 27, Syllabus Appellee, who had been involuntarily committed to a mental hospital for period of several days in 1971, was unable purchase firearm from store 1982 because provisions 18 U.S.C. § 922(d) prohibiting sales firearms such persons. Section and other federal statutes persons have institutions possessing, receiving, or transporting also apply felons. However, under 925(c), certain felons could Bureau Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms administrative relief disabilities imposed by laws, but no permitted former patients. After unsuccessfully seeking special exemption Bureau, appellee brought suit Federal District Court, challenging constitutionality legislation. The court held that statutory scheme unconstitutional as violating equal protection principles there rational basis singling out patients permanent disabled status, particularly compared convicts. concluded unconstitutionally created an "irrebuttable presumption" one has committed, matter what circumstances, is forever mentally ill dangerous. Held: issues are now moot because, after this Court noted probable jurisdiction over appeal heard arguments, Congress amended 925(c) afford remedy contained therein ineligible firearms. Since appellee's complaint appears raise best addressed first instance case remanded further proceedings. Pp. 559-560. 602 F.Supp. 682, vacated remanded. BURGER, C.J., delivered opinion unanimous Court. Charles A. Rothfeld, Washington, D.C., appellant. Michael Casale, Nutley, N.J., appellee. Chief Justice BURGER 1 We decide whether may, consistent with Fifth Amendment, forbid all while permitting some do so. 2 In attempted at Ray's Sport Shop North Plainfield, New Jersey. gave standard questionnaire, which asked, inter alia: "Have you ever adjudicated defective institution?" Appellee accordingly answered "yes" question. then refused sell him gun reason 922(d)(4), makes it unlawful licensed dealer "to . any person knowing having reasonable cause believe institution." laws "any institution ship transport ammunition interstate foreign commerce," 922(g), "receive shipped transported 922(h). Partially overlapping U.S.C.App. §§ 1202(a)(1) (3) prohibit "been adjudged being incompetent" 3 Firearms, United States Jersey, those portions deprived his ability were constitutionally infirm. 683 (1985). Both institutions, alia, subject 922(d). Under however, crimes not involving may these disabilities. No provides relevant part: 4 "A convicted crime punishable imprisonment term exceeding year (other than use weapon violation chapter National Act) make application Secretary respect acquisition, receipt, transfer, shipment, possession incurred conviction, grant if established satisfaction circumstances regarding applicant's record reputation, applicant will be likely act manner dangerous public safety granting would contrary interest." violated its view, "[t]here thus convicts." F.Supp., 689. "in effect creates irrebuttable presumption dangerous." Id., 690. Government's appeal, 474 943, 307, 88 284 (1985), argued on 5 Meanwhile, came conclusion, legislative policy, should redrafted. On May 19, 1986, consideration here, President signed into law Pub.L. 99-308, 100 Stat. 449. 105 statute amends provision providing disabilities, striking language limiting changing read "is prohibited shipping, transporting, receiving ammunition" Treasury relief. 110 amendment made "shall applicable action, petition, appellate proceeding pending date enactment Act." 6 This significantly alters posture case. new permits approach affords like provided others prima facie Thus, can longer contended "singled out." Also, exists since hearing afforded anyone Accordingly, discussed moot. See Building Construction Trades Council Camden County Vicinity v. Mayor Camden, 465 208, 213, 104 1020, 1024, 79 249 (1984). 7 "it duty set aside decree below. ." Duke Power Co. Greenwood County, 299 259, 267, 57 202, 205, 81 L.Ed. 178 (1936); see Munsingwear, Inc., 340 36, 39-40, 71 104, 106-107, 95 36 (1950). therefore vacate judgment we remand proceedings opinion. 8 Vacated

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