United States Supreme Court Cases & Opinions

U.S. Supreme Court

Rossi v. Pennsylvania, 238 U.S. 62 (1915)

Rossi v. Pennsylvania

No. 193

Argued March 11, 1915

Decided June 1, 1915

238 U.S. 62

Syllabus

A state may not punish one who sells and delivers liquor in original packages within the state pursuant to orders solicited within the state but delivered from without the state under the circumstances of this case, which arose prior to the Webb-Kenyon Law.

The transportation of intoxicating liquor, as of other merchandise, from state to state is interstate commerce, and cannot be interfered with by the states except as permitted by Congress.

The Wilson Act of 1890, while placing liquor on arrival at destination under the law of the state, does not subject liquor transported in interstate commerce to state regulation until after arrival at destination and delivery to the consignee or purchaser.

Under the Wilson Act, the power of the state does not extend to a shipment of liquor prior to delivery to the purchaser because it was transmitted in pursuance of an order previously obtained within the state, where, as in Pennsylvania, there is no statute prohibiting the solicitation and taking of such orders for liquor without a license. Delamater v. South Dakota, 205 U. S. 93, distinguished.

53 Pa.Sup. 210 reversed.

Page 238 U. S. 63

The facts, which involve the validity under the commerce clause of the federal Constitution of a conviction for selling liquor without a state license, and the construction of the Wilson Act of 1890, are stated in the opinion.

Page 238 U. S. 64