User:SalviaPalthZelaya/FEC v. Massachusetts Citizens for Life

Back ground information: Massachusetts Citizens for Life was a nonprofit (and non-stock) corporation, "to defend the right to life of all human beings born and unborn," with educational and political activities. It published a newsletter distributed to people who have expressed support for the organization. In September, 1978, Massachusetts Citizens for Life distributed a "Special Edition" urging individuals to vote "pro-life" in the Massachusetts primary elections. It listed candidates for every office in every voting district through Massachusetts. It labeled each candidate as opposing or supporting their views. While some 400 candidates were listed, the photographs of only 13 were featured, all of whom were identified as favoring appellee's views. Additionally the publication was distributed to a larger audience than of the standard newsletter. It was financed by money taken from Massachusetts Citizens for Life's general treasury funds. A Federal Election Commission complaint was filed. Claiming the "Special Edition" violated § 316; funds used from a corporate treasury to distribute a campaign flyer (of certain political candidates) toward the general public. The FEC did determine probable cause of a violation of the statute. The FEC then led a complaint in Federal District Court.