Reading Room Document

Return of Evidentiary Bribe Moneys

The document is a memorandum to the Attorney General regarding the return of evidentiary bribe moneys. The conclusion reached in the document is that there is a lack of consistency among district courts in handling bribe money received into evidence, and the proposed remedy is to advise the Chief Justice and suggest referral of the issue to the Judicial Conference. The questions presented for review include whether courts are in compliance with 18 U.S.C. § 3612 in handling bribe money during the pendency of an appeal, and the appropriate handling of bribe money after final disposition of the case. Additionally, the document raises the question of whether the problem can be resolved by direction to the United States Attorneys instead of involving the Chief Justice and the Judicial Conference.

October 6, 1981