Liparota v. United States

The federal statute governing food stamp fraud provides that “whoever knowingly uses, transfers, acquires, alters, or possesses coupons or authorization cards in any manner not authorized by [the statute] or the regulations” is subject to a fine and imprisonment. 78 Stat. 708, as amended, 7 U. S. C. § 2024(b)(1).1 The question presented is whether *421in a prosecution under this provision the Government must prove that the defendant knew that he was acting in a manner not authorized by statute or regulations.

*420“[WJhoever knowingly uses, transfers, acquires, alters, or possesses coupons or…