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United States v. Bitty

United States Supreme Court

208 U.S. 393 (1908)

Facts

In 1908, the United States (plaintiff) prosecuted Bitty (defendant) for importing an alien woman to live with him as his concubine. The United States claimed that Bitty had violated the 1907 Immigration Act, which prohibited the importation of any woman or girl for the purpose of prostitution or for any other immoral purpose. Bitty argued that the importation of the woman was not violative of the statute because it did not constitute an illegal purpose. The circuit court agreed. The matter was appealed.

Rule of Law

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Issue

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Holding and Reasoning (Harlan, 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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