SCOTUScast 7-19-09 featuring Peter Jaffe

On Tuesday, May 26, the Supreme Court announced its decision in Abuelhawa v. United States. In this case, the Supreme Court considered whether, under the Controlled Substances Act, someone who uses a telephone to make a misdemeanor drug purchase is guilty of the felony crime of facilitating felony drug distribution. In a unanimous decision delivered by Justice Souter, the Court held that using a telephone to make a misdemeanor drug purchase does not facilitate felony drug distribution within the meaning of the statute, reversing the Fourth Circuit opinion below. Peter Jaffe discusses the decision.

 

 

 

Oral Argument - March 4, 2009:
http://www.supremecourtus.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/08-192.pdf

 

Decision - May 26, 2009:
http://www.supremecourtus.gov/opinions/08pdf/08-192.pdf

 

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