United States v. Robinson

The U.S. Coast Guard boarded a Panamanian-flagged ship, with the master's consent, carrying Hernando and Jorge Robinson (defendants); officers grew suspicious and obtained Panama's permission to proceed further, and a Panamanian official testified Panama had authorized the Coast Guard not only to board and inspect the ship but also to prosecute those aboard. The officers found a large quantity of marijuana hidden aboard, and the Robinsons were convicted under U.S. drug law; they appealed, arguing international and constitutional law prevented the U.S. from applying its drug laws to them.