Law360: Justices Strengthen Jury Trial Rights For Stiffer Sentences
June 21, 2024
The US Supreme Court held in a 6-3 decision in Erlinger v. U.S. that constitutional rights to due process and trial by jury extend to the Armed Career Criminal Act’s 15-year mandatory prison term for repeat offenders. The case focused on the sentencing of Paul Erlinger, who appealed his 15-year sentence after being convicted of being a felon in possession of multiple firearms. “We’re very happy that the court has reinforced the jury’s rightful role in the administration of criminal justice,” said O’Melveny & Myers LLP attorney Jeffrey L. Fisher, counsel to Erlinger. “ACCA punishments are very severe, and the people should play a role in whether they are administered.”
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