Gregory W. Pheasant, Petitioner v. United States

Gregory W. Pheasant asks the Supreme Court to consider whether a federal land law improperly allows the Interior Secretary to define crimes through regulations. The Court has not decided whether to hear the case or resolved the issue.

The petition is pending and oral argument has not been scheduled. Pheasant argues that the law gives the Executive near-unfettered power to define criminal conduct.

The answer could affect people accused of violating rules governing public lands. For example, it could determine whether an Interior Department regulation can support a criminal charge under this law.

The case asks whether Congress gave the Interior Secretary too much power to define conduct that can be punished as a crime.

People accused of knowingly and willfully violating Interior Department regulations involving public lands could be affected.

The Court may take a scheduling action or decide whether to hear the petition. Oral argument has not been scheduled.