Supreme Court of the United States
United States v. Rumely
March 9, 1953345 U.S. 41
Summary
The Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Appeals' reversal of Rumely's contempt conviction, holding that the House resolution authorizing the Select Committee on Lobbying Activities did not empower it to compel the disclosure of purchasers of books and pamphlets. The Court interpreted the phrase “lobbying activities” narrowly, limiting it to direct contact with Congress, and declined to reach the First Amendment issues. Justice Douglas filed a concurring opinion agreeing with the result.
Holding
- Did the House resolution authorizing the Select Committee on Lobbying Activities grant the committee authority to compel Rumely to disclose the identities of purchasers of books and pamphlets?. No; the resolution’s reference to “lobbying activities” is limited to direct contact with Congress and does not extend to inquiries about the purchasers of publications.
Docket 87
Cited authorities
- 2 U.S.C. § 266
- 60 Stat. 839
- 52 Stat. 942
- 2 U.S.C. § 192
- 40 Harv. L. Rev. 153
- 52 Stat. 942
- 49 U.S.C. § 192
- 60 Stat. 839
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