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Durland v. United States

United States Supreme Court

161 U.S. 306 (1896)

Facts

Durland (defendant) mailed a brochure to a number of people claiming that if they made small investments with him, he would provide them a significant rate of return. In actuality, however, Durland never intended to pay back investors’ money or provide them with any return. He was found guilty of violating the federal mail fraud statute. He appealed on the grounds that his brochures did not contain any misrepresentation of an existing fact as he was merely making promises about the future.

Rule of Law

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Issue

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Holding and Reasoning (Brewer, 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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