Listen & Download

On Wednesday, April 29, the Supreme Court announced its decision in Dean v. United States. In this case, the Supreme Court considered whether a mandatory sentencing enhancement for the discharge of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime only applies if the discharge is shown to have been intentional. In a 7-2 decision delivered by Chief Justice Roberts, the Court held that the mandatory sentencing enhancement applies whether the discharge was intentional or not, affirming the Eleventh Circuit decision below. Peter Jaffe discusses the decision.

 

 

 

Oral Argument - March 4, 2009:
http://supremecourtus.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/08-5274.pdf

 

Decision - April 29, 2009:
http://www.supremecourtus.gov/opinions/08pdf/08-5274.pdf

 

[Return to the SCOTUScast menu]