United States Supreme Court Cases & Opinions

U.S. Supreme Court

United States v. Culbert, 435 U.S. 371 (1978)

United States v. Culbert

No. 77-142

Argued January 11, 1978

Decided March 28, 1978

435 U.S. 371

Syllabus

Respondent was convicted under the Hobbs Act, 18 U.S.C. § 1951 (1976 ed.), of attempting to obtain money from federally insured bank by means of threats of violence to its president. The Curt of Appeals reversed, holding that the Government had failed to prove that respondent's conduct constituted "racketeering," which, in its view, was a necessary element of a Hobbs Act offense.

Held: The plain language and legislative history of the statute make clear that Congress did not intend to limit the statute's scope by reference to an undefined category of conduct termed "racketeering," but rather that Congress intended to reach all conduct within the express terms of the statute. Pp. 435 U. S. 373-380.

548 F.2d 1355, reversed.

MARSHALL, J., delivered the opinion of the Court, in which all other Members joined, except BRENNAN, J., who took no part in the consideration or decision of the case.