Missouri v. Frye

Linked with:

• Lafler v. Cooper

Docket No.	Argument	Opinion	Vote	Author	Term
10-444	Oct 31, 2011 Tr.Aud.	TBD	TBD	TBD	OT 2011

Issue: Can a defendant who validly pleads guilty assert a claim of ineffective assistance of counsel by alleging that, but for counsel's error in failing to communicate a plea offer, he would have pleaded guilty with more favorable terms? What remedy, if any, should be provided for ineffective assistance of counsel during plea bargain negotiations if the defendant was later convicted and sentenced pursuant to constitutionally adequate procedures?

Plain English Issue: Can a criminal defendant who was convicted after a jury trial later argue that his lawyer was inadequate because he failed to tell him that prosecutors had offered a deal to plead guilty in exchange for a lighter sentence? And, if so, what should courts do to correct the lawyer's error?

SCOTUSblog Coverage

• Argument recap: Court searches for a principled remedy
• Argument preview: Remedy for ineffective assistance of counsel during plea bargaining?
• Academic round-up

Briefs and Documents

Merits Briefs for the Petitioner

• Brief for petitioner State of Missouri
• Reply brief for petitioner State of Missouri

Amicus Briefs in Support of the Petitioner

• Brief for the United States
• Brief for Connecticut and 28 Other States

Merits Briefs for the Respondent

• Brief for respondent Galin E. Frye

Amicus Briefs in Support of the Respondent

• Brief of the Constitution Project
• Brief of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Association et al.
• Brief for Center on the Administration of Criminal Law, New York University School of Law
• Brief for the American Bar Association

Certiorari-stage documents

• Brief in opposition
• Amicus brief for Connecticut and eleven other states

• Petition for certiorari
• Brief in opposition
• Petitioner's reply