United States v. Ramsey

431 U.S. 606 (1977)

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United States v. Ramsey

United States Supreme Court
431 U.S. 606 (1977)

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Facts

Charles W. Ramsey and James W. Kelly (defendants) were bringing drugs into the United States by mail. A customs inspector in New York intercepted eight envelopes sent from Thailand (a known drug exporter) to Washington, D.C. The envelopes were fatter and much heavier than typical airmail. The inspector believed the envelopes contained contraband and opened them. The envelopes were sent to the Drug Enforcement Administration, who then conducted a sting to arrest Ramsey and Kelly. The United States Supreme Court granted certiorari.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (Rehnquist, J.)

Dissent (Stevens, J.)

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