The case of United States v. Balint et al. dealt with whether knowledge of wrongdoing, or scienter, is required for a statutory crime. The court ruled that legislative intent must be considered in determining whether scienter is necessary. Punishment for an illegal act committed in ignorance of its illegality does not violate due process. In this specific case, the court found that knowledge of the drugs being sold is not necessary for a seller to be charged with violating the Anti-Narcotic Act. The lower court's decision was reversed.

The Narcotic Act is a tax law that aims to reduce addiction to harmful drugs. The court must interpret the statute and determine Congress's intent. The purpose of the statute is to require all drug dealers to determine whether the drugs they sell are prohibited and penalize them if they sell prohibited drugs unknowingly. The court reversed the judgment and held that the indictment should not have been dismissed.