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Supreme Court Narrows Anti-Corruption Law in Snyder v. US, Permits Gratuities in 6-3 Decision

Jun 26, 2024, 02:58 PM

The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled 6-3 in Snyder v. US to narrow the application of a statute that bars corrupt gratuities as a reward for prior official acts. The decision, which splits conservative and liberal justices, effectively makes it easier for state and local officials to receive gifts for their official acts. The ruling, which relied partly on legislative history, has significant implications for anti-corruption laws, including those used in high-profile cases such as Chicago's Madigan case. Justice Jackson, joined by Justices Sotomayor and Kagan, issued a pointed dissent, criticizing the majority's interpretation of the federal bribery statute. The ruling permits gratuities to public officials, such as a $13K check from a government vendor to a mayor weeks after winning a contract.