By: Derek Hawkins//June 28, 2016//
US Supreme Court
Case Name: Taylor v. United States
Case No.: 14-6166
Focus: Hobbs Act
The prosecution in a Hobbs Act robbery case satisfies the Act’s commerce element if it shows that the defendant robbed or attempted to rob a drug dealer of drugs or drug proceeds.
“Here, the Government met its burden by introducing evidence that Taylor’s gang intentionally targeted drug dealers to obtain drugs and drug proceeds. That evidence included information that the gang members targeted the victims because of their drug dealing activities, as well as explicit statements made during the course of the robberies that revealed their belief that drugs and money were present. Such proof is sufficient to meet the Hobbs Act’s commerce element. “
Affirmed
CONCURRING:
DISSENTING: THOMAS