Southern Union Company v. United States
| Docket No. | Op. Below | Argument | Opinion | Vote | Author | Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11-94 | 1st Cir. | Mar 19, 2012 | Jun 21, 2012 | 6-3 | Sotomayor | OT 2011 |
Holding: The rule established in Apprendi v. New Jersey " in which the Court held that the Sixth Amendment"s jury-trial guarantee requires that any fact (other than the fact of a prior conviction) which increases the maximum punishment authorized for a particular crime be proved to a jury beyond a reasonable doubt " applies to the imposition of criminal fines.
Judgment: Reversed, 6-3, in an opinion by Justice Sotomayor on June 21, 2012. Justice Breyer filed a dissenting opinion, which was joined by Justices Kennedy and Alito.
SCOTUSblog Coverage
- Opinion analysis: Imposition of criminal fine implicates Sixth Amendment right to jury trial (Susan F. Mandiberg, June 25, 2012)
- Argument recap: Jury determination of facts supporting fines? And restitution? And forfeiture? (Susan F. Mandiberg, March 24, 2012)
- Argument preview: Does Apprendi limit judicial fact finding relevant to the imposition of criminal fines? (Susan F. Mandiberg, March 15, 2012)
Briefs and Documents
Merits Briefs for the Petitioner
Amicus Briefs in Support of the Petitioner
Merits Briefs for the Respondent
Certiorari-stage documents
- Opinion below (1st Cir.)
- Petition for certiorari
- Brief in opposition
- Amicus brief of U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- Petitioner's reply
Merits Briefs for the Petitioner
Amicus Briefs in Support of the Petitioner
Merits Briefs for the Respondent
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