Case library · The Poacher's Docket
Nets He Already Owned
Miller v. McLaughlin (1930)
Charge: Illegal net-fishing / possession of netsCourt: U.S. Supreme CourtState: NebraskaDocket: The Poacher's Docket
Can a state ban net fishing and the mere owning of nets when it shares the river with a neighbouring state?
The facts
A fisherman owned nets, traps and seines, all bought before the law changed. A new state law banned taking any fish but minnows with such gear from waters within the state, and banned owning the gear at all without official permission. He meant to fish the far side of a boundary river, where the neighbouring state allows nets. He held no license from that state. Officials threatened to stop him.
You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.
Citation: Miller v. McLaughlin, 281 U.S. 261 (1930)
Read more at law.cornell.edu. The source reveals the outcome.