Supreme Court Redefines Anti-Bribery Law, Allowing Post-Act Gratuities

The ruling narrows the scope of federal anti-corruption statutes, distinguishing between bribes and gratuities.

• The decision in Snyder v. United States was divided along ideological lines, with a 6-3 vote.
• Justice Kavanaugh's majority opinion argues that post-act gratuities are not equivalent to bribes.
• Justice Jackson's dissent warns that the ruling undermines federal anti-corruption efforts.
• The case involved former Portage, Indiana mayor James Snyder, who accepted $13,000 after awarding a contract.
• The court's decision emphasizes state and local regulation of gifts to officials over federal oversight.

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