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Commonwealth v. Mixer

Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court
93 N.E. 249, 207 Mass. 141 (1910)

Written by Angela Patrick, JD

Facts

Erving Mixer (defendant) worked for a common carrier that delivered packages to homes. A customer gave Mixer a sugar barrel to deliver to the city of Lynn. The barrel did not contain any markings or indications that it contained anything illegal, and Mixer had no knowledge of the barrel’s contents. However, the barrel contained liquor, and it was illegal to transport the liquor into the city of Lynn. Mixer was criminally charged with violating a statute prohibiting transporting liquor into illegal areas and convicted. On appeal, Mixer argued that he could not be held guilty of a crime because it was undisputed that he had an innocent mind.

Rule of Law

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Issue

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Holding and Reasoning (Rugg, J.)

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A "yes" or "no" answer to the question framed in the issue section;
A summary of the majority or plurality opinion, using the CREAC method; and
The procedural disposition (e.g., reversed and remanded, affirmed, etc.).

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