United States v. Danny C. Christopher, Jack Herer, John B. Michel, John Gefall, and Kenneth R. Klotz

Good Law

700 F.2d 1253·1983 U.S. App. LEXIS 29861

United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth CircuitMarch 8, 198382-1149 to 82-1151, 82-1156 and 82-1203California4,614 words

Opinion

Skopil, J.

OVERVIEW

Appellants appeal their misdemeanor convictions on charges of being present on federal property after normal work hours in violation of 41 C.F.R. §§ 101-20.302 and 101-20.315 (1981). Appellants contend that (1) the- information was vague and indefinite; (2) they were selectively prosecuted; (3) there was insufficient evidence to establish every element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt; and (4) the regulation is unconstitutional. We reject these arguments. Appellant Michel contends that he was improperly arraigned and tried in his absence. We agree. Accordingly, the convictions are affirmed with the exception of Michel.

FACTS AND PROCEEDINGS BELOW

Appellants are members of an organization whose goal was the passage of the California Marijuana Initiative. Appellant Herer is founder and leader of the group.

On November 6, 1981 Herer and associates set up a table on the corner of federal building property in west Los Angeles. The group sought to collect petition signatures in support of the initiative, distribute information and register voters. The location was selected because of pedestrian traffic and proximity to a busy entertainment center, commercial area and…

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Parties

UNITED STATES of America-
Plaintiff
Danny C. CHRISTOPHER, Jack Herer, John B. Michel, John Gefall, and Kenneth R. Klotz-
Defendant

Judges

Sneed
Skopil
Ingram

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