Supreme Court of the United States
Huddleston v. United States
March 26, 1974415 U.S. 814
Summary
The Court held that 18 U.S.C. §922(a)(6) applies to the redemption of firearms from a pawnshop, affirming Huddleston’s conviction. The majority reasoned that the statute’s terms “acquisition” and “sale or other disposition” include pawnshop redemptions and that legislative history supports a broad reading. Justice Douglas dissented, arguing that the ambiguity should be resolved in favor of the defendant.
Holding
- Whether 18 U.S.C. §922(a)(6) criminalizes false statements made in connection with the redemption of a firearm from a pawnshop. Yes; the statute’s prohibition against false statements in connection with the acquisition of a firearm includes pawnshop redemptions
- Whether any ambiguity in the statute requires application of the rule of lenity. No; the statute is not ambiguous and therefore the rule of lenity does not apply
Docket 72-1076
Cited authorities
- CA10
- Pub. L. 90-351, 82
- Pub. L. 90-618, 82
- 18 U.S.C. § 922
- 18 U.S.C. §922
- 18 U.S.C. § 922
- 18 U.S.C. §§922
- 18 U.S.C. § 921