United States v. Robinson
United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
843 F.2d 1 (1988)
- Written by Eric Cervone, LLM
Facts
The United States Coast Guard stopped a Panamanian ship manned by Hernando and Jorge Robinson (defendants). Coast Guard officers boarded the ship with the master’s consent. The officers then became suspicious, and received permission from Panama to proceed further. A Panamanian official testified that that the government of Panama authorized the Coast Guard officers not only to board and inspect the ship, but also to prosecute those aboard. The officers found a large quantity of marijuana hidden on the ship. The Robinsons were subsequently convicted under U.S. law for unlawful possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. The Robinsons appealed, arguing that the principles of international and constitutional law prevented the United States government (plaintiff) from applying U.S. drug laws to them. The case was heard by the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Breyer, J.)
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