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United States v. International Minerals & Chemical Corp.

United States Supreme Court
402 U.S. 558 (1971)

Written by Robert Cane, JD

Facts

International Minerals & Chemical Corp. (IMC) (defendant) shipped sulfuric acid and hydrofluosilicic acid across state lines and failed to comply with documentation requirements. IMC violated a regulation related to the transportation of corrosive liquids, which imposes a penalty of fine or imprisonment for whoever “knowingly violates any such regulation.” The district court dismissed the information against IMC, ruling that it did not charge a knowing violation. The government (plaintiff) appealed to the United States Supreme Court.

Rule of Law

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Issue

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Holding and Reasoning (Douglas, 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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