US Supreme Court Skeptical of Another Public Corruption Law (1)

The US Supreme Court appeared likely to side with a convicted Indiana mayor and continue to pare back the reach of federal corruption statutes.

The case argued Monday centers on the scope of 18 U.S.C. 666, which makes it a crime for certain state or local officials to “corruptly” accept anything of value over $5,000. The question for the justices is whether the law covers “gratuities” paid in recognition of past actions, or only quid pro quo bribery, meaning a tit-for-tat agreement.

James Snyder, the former mayor of a Northwest Indiana town, was convicted by a jury of receiving $13,000 ...