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Criminal

May 3, 2024

Supreme Court decision could affect legality of gifts to public officials

The Supreme Court will decide whether 18 U.S.C. 666 only criminalizes quid pro quo bribery or also covers gratuities, such as payments made in recognition of actions taken by officials. The ruling could have broader implications for millions of public officials.

Amber R. Maltbie

Partner, Nossaman LLP

Amber is a partner in firm's Public Policy group in Los Angeles, where her practice focuses on election law and government ethics. She represents numerous public officials, state and local agencies, and candidates for office.

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It’s 8pm on a Saturday night and Sally, a nurse, is running late for her shift at the local public hospital. She rushes down her street to catch the last bus into downtown. As she boards, Sally pleads to the driver “Please – get me downtown as quickly as possible!” The bus driver complies, perhaps somewhat recklessly, to get Sally to her final destination on time.

Two evenings later, Sally is back on the same bus with the same driver. Thi...

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