Supreme Court to Hear Overcriminalization Case in Yates v. United States

Today, the United States Supreme Court heard arguments in the case of John L. Yates v. United States of America. Mr. Yates is accused of violating the anti-document shredding provision of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, legislation passed shortly after the 2001 Enron scandal, for throwing three undersized red grouper overboard after an encounter with Florida Fish and Wildlife.

Mr. Yates’ case is part of the growing trend of overcriminalization—the vast and rapid proliferation of criminal statutes and regulations that carry criminal sanctions—and is just one example of the growing scrutiny being placed on American individuals and business owners by big government run amok.

Watch Mr. Yates’ story here:

See ALEC proposals for helping to stem the tide of overcriminalization here.