Lambert v. California

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Lambert v. California
Court
Citation 355 U.S. 225 (1957)
Date decided 1957

Facts

The L.A. municipal code said that anybody convicted of a felony entered the city for a period of more than five days, or any felon that entered the city more than five times in a thirty-day period must register with the chief of police. Lambert entered the city without registering and was arrested on an unrelated charge.

Procedural History

D was found guilty of not registering. Fined $250 and placed on probation for 3 years.

Issues

Can a mistake of law defense be valid if the charge is an omission?

Holding

Yes, it can.

Judgment

Reversed.

Reasons

Lack of notice.

Resources