United States v. Russell
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Summary

In this 1973 case, the Court upheld a methamphetamine production conviction despite a DEA agent supplying a precursor—defendant’s predisposition was decisive.

Federal Juristiction

United States v. Russell

Keywords 1973 case; methamphetamine production; DEA agent; precursor; conviction; predisposition; Court; supply; defendant; upheld
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United States v. Russell (1973): Predisposition and Entrapment

The 1973 Supreme Court case United States v. Russell addressed the issue of entrapment in the context of a methamphetamine production conviction. The Court's decision hinged on the defendant's demonstrable predisposition to commit the crime, outweighing the government's provision of a precursor chemical necessary for production. This ruling established a significant precedent regarding the entrapment defense, emphasizing the defendant's inherent criminal intent as a crucial factor in determining guilt. The supplying of the precursor by a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent did not negate the defendant's pre-existing inclination to engage in the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine. The court's analysis focused on the defendant's readiness to engage in the criminal activity, irrespective of the government's involvement. The ruling clarified the parameters of the entrapment defense, thereby limiting its application to situations where the government induces criminal behavior in an otherwise unwilling individual.

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United States v. Russell (1973)

The 1973 case of United States v. Russell affirmed a conviction for methamphetamine production even though a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent provided a crucial chemical precursor. The court's decision emphasized the defendant's pre-existing predisposition to commit the crime as the determining factor, outweighing the government's involvement in supplying the necessary ingredient. This ruling highlights the legal principle that entrapment requires demonstrating the government induced the crime in an individual not already inclined to commit it. The defendant's demonstrated intent and proactive engagement in the illegal activity negated any claim of entrapment. The court focused on the defendant's established criminal intent, thus upholding the conviction.

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The 1973 Methamphetamine Case

The Supreme Court supported a conviction for making methamphetamine, even though a DEA agent gave the defendant a chemical needed for production. The Court focused on the defendant's existing inclination to make the drug.

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The Case of the Meth Maker

In 1973, a court decided that a person could be found guilty of making meth even if a government agent helped them get supplies. The court said the important thing was that the person already wanted to make meth.

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Footnotes and Citation

Cite

411 U.S. 423 (1973)

Highlights