WASHINGTON -- In a 33-page opinion, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously threw out the conviction of former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell.
The case centered around the question of what constitutes the scope of an "official action" under federal corruption law.
Writing for the court, Chief Justice John Roberts set a clear definition of that term and how it can be used in corruption convictions.
Read the 33-page Supreme Court opinion in Bob McDonnell case
"In sum, an 'official act' is a decision or action on a 'question, matter, cause, suit, proceeding or controversy," Roberts wrote. "Setting up a meeting, talking to another official, or organizing an event (or agreeing to do so) -- without more -- does not fit that definition of an official act."
He later added, "There is no doubt that this case is distasteful; it may be worse than that," Roberts wrote. "But our concern is not with tawdry tales of Ferraris, Rolexes, and ball gowns. It is instead with the broader legal implications of the Government's boundless interpretation of the federal bribery statute. A more limited interpretation of the term 'official act' leaves ample room for prosecuting corruption, while comporting with the text of the statute and the precedent of this court."
Click here to read the full 33-page U.S. Supreme Court opinion.
