__NOTOC__ Jones v. United States, , was a United States Supreme Court case in which the court held that because an owner-occupied residence not used for any commercial purpose does not qualify as property "used in" commerce or commerce-affecting activity, arson of such a dwelling is not subject to federal prosecution under the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970.Syllabus of . Taylor, Barbara H. "Close Enough for Government Work: Proving Minimal Nexus in a Federal and Firearms Conviction: United States v. Corey." Maine Law Review 56.1 (2004): 187.
Background
Jones tossed a Molotov cocktail into a home owned and occupied by his cousin as a dwelling place for everyday family living. The ensuing fire severely damaged the home. Jones was convicted in the federal District Court of violating, among other things, 18 U.S.C. § 844(i), part of the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970. §844(i) makes it a federal crime to "maliciously damag[e] or destro[y], ... by means of fire or an explosive, any building ... used in interstate or foreign commerce or in any activity affecting interstate or foreign commerce." The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed, rejecting Jones's contention that §844(i), when applied to the arson of a private residence, exceeds the authority vested in Congress under the Commerce Clause.
The Supreme Court granted certiorari.
Opinion of the court
The Supreme Court issued an opinion on May 22, 2000.
Later developments
References
External links