Ryland v. United States

rejecting both due process and equal protection challenges to federal statute | Federal Schoolyard statute satisfies Due Process even though proof of defendant's knowledge of his proximity to a school is not required | Federal Schoolyard statute satisfies Due Process even though proof of defendant's knowledge of his proximity to a school is not required | “Congress’ heightened interest in protecting children ... amply supports its decision not to require a showing of mens rea of the proximity of a school.” | “Punishment established by a democratically elected legislature is presumed valid and a heavy burden rests on those who would attack the judgment of the representatives of the people.” | "Punishment established by a democratically elected legislature is presumed valid and a heavy burden rests on those who would attack the judgment of the representatives of the people." | "Punishment established by a democratically elected legislature is presumed valid and a heavy burden rests on those who would attack the judgment of the representatives of the people." | “Punishment established by a democratically elected legislature is presumed valid and a heavy burden rests on those who would attack the judgment of the representatives of the people.” | statute punishing distribution of controlled substances within 1000 feet of a school does not violate due process even though perpetrator may be unaware of school’s proximity | section 845a(a) not subject to heightened scrutiny of equal protection analysis | " 'The legislature of Alabama "wanted to lessen the risk that drugs would be readily available to school children. It is surely rational to achieve that goal by increasing penalties for those who sell drugs near schools." ' " | " 'The legislature of Alabama "wanted to lessen the risk that drugs would be readily available to school children. It is surely rational to achieve that goal by increasing penalties for those who sell drugs near schools." ' " | " 'The legislature of Alabama "wanted to lessen the risk that drugs would be readily available to school children. It is surely rational to achieve that goal by increasing penalties for those who sell drugs near schools." ' " | same reasoning with respect to state legislature | same reasoning with respect to state legislature