This educational guide is based on the linked primary sources. It is not a Court publication, is not affiliated with the Court, and is not legal advice.
In brief
Overview
Petitioners argue that Congress enacted 18 U.S.C. 1956(h) solely to increase penalties for money‑laundering conspiracies.
Petitioners contend that the venue provision in 18 U.S.C. 1956(i) is the exclusive venue provision for money‑laundering offenses.
Petitioners argue that, because before the enactment of § 1956(h) the government had to prosecute money‑laundering conspiracies under § 371 for six years, Congress intended to carry forward the overt‑act requirement of § 371 into the money‑laundering conspiracy offense.
Background and question before the Court
Justice Stevens asked whether the government had to prove an overt act to establish venue.
Justice Scalia asked whether the venue provision was the only basis for venue.
Justice Scalia later asked whether, when multiple objects are involved, the government should charge both under § 371 and under § 1956.
What each side argues
Petitioners’ Position
According to Petitioners, congress enacted 18 U.S.C. 1956(h) for the sole purpose of increasing the penalties for money‑laundering conspiracies.
According to Petitioners, the venue provision in 18 U.S.C. 1956(i) is the exclusive venue provision for money‑laundering.
According to Petitioners, because before § 1956(h) the government had to prosecute money‑laundering conspiracies under § 371 for six years, the Court should presume that Congress intended to perpetuate the overt‑act requirement of § 371 into the money‑laundering conspiracy offense.
Respondent’s Position
Source-limited. The record does not yet support a complete account.
What happened at oral argument
Oral argument began at 10:09 a.m. before the Supreme Court.
The respondent was represented by Jonathan L. Marcus during oral argument.
The case was submitted at 10:49 a.m.
What the Court decided
Why it matters
Terms to know
No glossary terms are available for this guide.
Primary sources
Read the source materials on the official site or open the immutable repository copy used for this guide.
- a716aec9437c70d14216-r1-a1e6cbfa4ff34a8f.pdforal argument transcript
Guide generated September 20, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.