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Constitutional Law- Right To Jury Trial - Petty Statutory Offenses, James H. Roberton

Michigan Law Review

The defendant was tried before the police court of the District of Columbia for selling, as a second-hand dealer, unused return-trip railroad tickets without a license, contrary to an Act of Congress. The act provides for a maximum penalty of $300 fine or ninety days in jail. The defendant was denied a jury trial. The Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia found the defendant entitled to a jury trial. On appeal to the United States Supreme Court, it was held by a majority of the Court, that the Federal Constitution does not guarantee the defendant a jury trial …