In United States v. Wilson (1833) 32 U.S. 150, the definition of a pardon, was first articulated by Chief Justice Marshall. Chief Justice Marshall defined a pardon as an act of grace which exempts the individual upon whom it is bestowed from the punishment which the law inflicts for a crime he has committed. The Court suggested that acceptance of a pardon might imply guilt. Justice Marshall stated that "a pardon is an act of grace," (id. at 160), "the validity of which . . . is not complete without acceptance." (Id. at 161.) Furthermore, Justice Marshall indicated that it might be rejected by the person to whom it was offered and that the court could not force it upon him. (Id.) It was stated, more than a hundred years ago, and has never since been disputed, that a pardon is a deed to the validity of which delivery is essential.