United States v. Bass
United States Supreme Court
404 U.S. 336 (1971)
Relevant factsFree
Bass (defendant), a felon, was convicted of possessing a pistol and shotgun under a statute barring felons from receiving, possessing, or transporting firearms "in commerce," without the government showing any actual connection between Bass's possession and interstate commerce; Bass appealed, arguing the commerce requirement applied to possession as well as transportation.
IssueFree
Whether, when interpreting a criminal statute, a court should resolve ambiguities in favor of the defendant.