Case: Gordon et al. v. United States
Abbreviation: Gordon v. United States
Decision Date: 1954-02-08
Docket Number: No. 318
Citation: 347 U.S. 909
Volume: 347
Reporter: United States Reports
Court: Supreme Court of the United States
Jurisdiction: United States
Parties: Gordon et al. v. United States.
Judges: 
Pages: 909–910

Head Matter:
No. 318.
Gordon et al. v. United States.
Argued January 11, 1954.
Decided February 8, 1954.

Opinion:
Per Curiam:
Petitioners are business partners in the sale of appliances. They were convicted under § 603 of the Defense Production Act of 1950, 64 Stat. 814, which provides that "Any person who willfully violates" regulations promulgated under the Act shall be guilty of crime. The jury was instructed that the knowledge of petitioners' employees was chargeable to petitioners in determining petitioners' wilfulness. Because of the instruction, the Government has confessed error. We agree, and accordingly reverse the judgment and remand the case to the District Court for retrial.
John S. Boyden argued the cause for petitioners. With him on the brief was Allen H. Tib-bals.
John R. Benney argued the cause for the United States. With him on the brief were Acting Solicitor General Stern, Assistant Attorney General Olney and Beatrice Rosenberg.