United States v. James Bowling

MANION, Circuit Judge.

James Bowling was convicted of two counts of making false statements in connection with the purchase of a firearm under 18 U.S.C. § 922(a)(6). Bowling argues that he deserves a new trial because the trial court made three errors: it prevented him from asserting a mistake-of-fact defense; it refused to require the government to enter into a stipulation; and, it failed to submit the issue of materiality to the jury. We hold that the trial court violated Bowling’s due process right to present a mistake-of-fact defense and remand for a new trial.

I. Background

On December 15,…