Supreme Court Justice Thomas calls for correction of a 26-year-old precedent on a Sixth Amendment fair trial exception, regarding Erlinger v. United States case.

Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas urges the Court to correct a 26-year-old precedent involving a narrow exception to Americans' Sixth Amendment right to a fair trial. The 6-3 decision in Erlinger v. United States ruled against the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals, upholding Paul Erlinger's 15-year sentence for unlawful possession of a firearm as a felon. The ruling highlights the continued debate and efforts to strengthen the right to a jury trial in criminal sentencing.

June 21, 2024
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