State v. Huff
Maine Supreme Judicial Court
89 Me. 521, 36 A. 1000 (1897)
- Written by Angela Patrick, JD
Facts
A public commissioner in charge of fishing told Fred Huff (defendant) that it was legal to fish with a dragnet on a particular river in certain circumstances. A reputable attorney told Huff the same thing. Huff relied on this advice but was criminally charged with illegally fishing with a dragnet in that river in those circumstances. The crime of illegal dragnet fishing prohibited engaging in the physical act of fishing with a dragnet and did not require any particular intent or state of mind. At trial, Huff admitted that he had intended to fish with a dragnet. Huff’s defense was that he had acted in good faith because he had relied on the opinions of the commissioner and the attorney and honestly believed that his actions were legal. Huff was convicted and appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Emery, J.)
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