United States Supreme Court Cases & Opinions

U.S. Supreme Court

United States v. Resnick, 299 U.S. 207 (1936)

United States v. Resnick

No. 62

Argued November 13, 1936

Decided December 7, 1936*

299 U.S. 207

Syllabus

1. The Act of May 21, 1928, 45 Stat. 685, 15 U.S.C., § 1 257-257i, prescribing standard capacities of containers for fruits and vegetables, refers specifically to nine sizes of hampers ranging from one-eighth of a bushel to two bushels, and makes it unlawful to manufacture or sell hampers that do not comply with the Act. Held inapplicable to the manufacture and sale of two-quart hampers for fruits and vegetables. Pp. 299 U. S. 209-210.

2. Criminal statutes are to be strictly construed in favor of the accused; they may not be held to extend to cases not covered by the words used. P. 299 U. S. 209.

Affirmed.

Appeals under the Criminal Appeals Act from Judgments of the District Court which sustained, in each of these cases, demurrers to indictments for violations of the Standard Container Act of 1928.

Page 299 U. S. 208