Legal Document

360 U.S. 310 79 Supreme Court Reporter 1171 3 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 1250 Howard R. MARSHALL, Petitioner,v.UNITED STATES of America. Number 383. Argued March 25, 26, 1959. Decided June 15, Messrs. George Judge Francis, Frances De Lost, Omer Griffin, Denver, Colo., for petitioner. Mr. James W. Knapp, Washington, D.C., respondent. PER CURIAM. 1 Petitioner was convicted unlawfully dispensing a number dextro amphetamine sulfate tablets, drug within the scope 21 Code KF62 § 353(b)(1) (B), Annotated KF65 U5 353(b)(1)(B), without prescription from licensed physician, which resulted in misbranding and violation 331(k), 331(k). The Appeals affirmed, one judge dissenting, 258 Federal Reporter, 2nd 94. case is here on petition certiorari, 28 1254(1), we granted because doubts whether exposure some jurors to newspaper articles about petitioner so prejudicial setting as warrant exercise our supervisory power order new trial. 358 892, 153, 120. 2 never took stand; nor did he offer any evidence. A government agent testified that introduced salesman who had difficulty staying awake long automobile trips two occasions obtained these tablets asked trial rule there entrapment matter law. refused hold submitted issue with appropriate instructions jury. Cf. Masciale versus States, 356 386, 78 827, 859. Government be allowed prove previously practiced medicine license, tending refute defense entrapment. this saying, 'It would just like offering evidence picked pockets or petty thief something sort have no bearing tend raise collateral & N Dec. Immigration Nationality Decisions think defendant.' Yet during newspapers containing such information got before substantial jurors, news account said: 4 'Marshall has record previous felony convictions. 5 'In 1953, while serving forgery sentence State Penitentiary at McAlester, Okla., Marshall state legislative committee studying laws Oklahoma. 6 'At time, told although only high school education, $25 diploma received through mails. He detail ease wrote passed prescriptions dangerous drugs.' other 7 'The defendant (Tobey) Marshall, once identified Oklahoma Legislature man acted physician prescribed restricted drugs Hank Williams country singer's death December, 1953. 8 arrested his wife, Edith Every 56, June, 1956. She charges District November sentenced 60 days jail. 9 'Records show served term penitentiary forgery. There doctor, court attaches said.' 10 learning accounts reached summoned them into chamber by inquired if they seen articles. Three read first listed above both. others scanned article those also second. Each seven not influenced articles, could decide record, felt prejudice against result judge, stating petitioner, denied motion mistrial. 11 large discretion ruling resulting reading concerning Holt 218 245, 251, 31 2, 6, 54 L.Ed. 1021. Generalizations beyond statement are profitable, each must turn its special facts. We character ruled it directly offered almost certain great when reaches jury part prosecution's Michelson 335 469, 475, 69 213, 218, 93 168. It may indeed greater then tempered protective procedures. 12 In formulate apply proper standards enforcement criminal law federal courts (Bruno 308 287, 198, 84 257; McNabb 318 332, 63 608, 87 819) should granted. 13 Reversed. 14 Justice BLACK dissents.

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