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Sorrells v. United States

United States Supreme Court
287 U.S. 435 (1932)

Facts

An undercover federal agent became friends with Sorrells (defendant) during Prohibition. While at Sorrells’s home, the agent twice asked Sorrells if he had any liquor. Sorrells did not. The agent then asked Sorrells if he would go out and buy liquor for him. Sorrells agreed and did so. Sorrells was convicted of violating the Prohibition Act. He appealed and the United States Supreme Court granted certiorari.  

Rule of Law

The rule of law is the black letter law upon which the court rested its decision.

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Issue

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Holding and Reasoning

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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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