McLaughlin v. United States, 476 U.S. 16 (1986)

McLaughlin v. United States


No. 85-5189


Argued March 31, 1986
Decided April 29, 1986
476 U.S. 16

CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR
THE FOURTH CIRCUIT

Syllabus

On the basis of his display of an unloaded handgun in the course of a bank robbery, petitioner was convicted under 18 U.S.C. § 2113(d), which provides an enhanced penalty for assault by use of a "dangerous weapon" during a bank robbery.

Held: An unloaded handgun is a "dangerous weapon" within the meaning of § 2113(d). Pp. 17-18.

Affirmed .

STEVENS, J., delivered the opinion for a unanimous Court.