Tapia v. United States
| Docket No. | Op. Below | Argument | Opinion | Vote | Author | Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-5400 | Ninth Cir. |
Apr 18, 2011 Tr.Aud. |
Jun 16, 2011 | 9-0 | Kagan | OT 2010 |
Holding: 18 U.S.C. § 3582(a) does not permit a sentencing court to impose or lengthen a prison term to foster a defendant's rehabilitation.
Judgment: Ninth Circuit reversed, 9-0, in an opinion by Justice Elena Kagan on June 16, 2011. Justice Sotomayor filed a concurring opinion, which was joined by Justice Alito.
SCOTUSblog Coverage
- Opinion analysis: SRA prohibits rehabilitation through incarceration (Beth Neitzel)
- This week at the Court in Plain English (Lisa McElroy)
- Argument recap: Promoting rehabilitation through sentencing (Rani Gupta - Guest)
- Argument preview: “Recognizing†rehabilitation in sentencing (Jonathan Greenberger - Guest)
- Court grants 3 new cases (Lyle Denniston)
Briefs and Documents
Merit briefs
- Brief for Petitioner Alejandra Tapia
- Brief of United States supporting Vacatur
- Brief for Amicus Curiae by Invitation of the Court
- Reply Brief for Petitioner Alejandra Tapia
- Reply Brief for Respondent United States of America
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