Knowledge of gun restrictions
Lindsey v. United States
In brief
The Supreme Court sent Lindsey’s case back to the Fifth Circuit for another look but did not decide whether he should get relief.
- Where it stands
- Case remanded
Remanded · May 26, 2020
- What it’s about
- Dominic Lindsey challenged the Fifth Circuit’s finding that the trial court’s failure to tell jurors they had to find he knew he was barred from possessing a firearm did not require relief.
- Who it affects
- The Fifth Circuit must reconsider Lindsey’s case in light of Davis; whether the jury-instruction error entitles him to relief remains unresolved.
Summary: written with AI from the case record.
What it's about
The Supreme Court agreed to hear the case, wiped out the appeals court’s judgment (vacated it), and sent it back (remanded it) to reconsider in light of Davis v. United States; it did not decide Lindsey’s claim.
The dispute concerns whether jurors had to find that Lindsey knew he was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Question presented
Whether the court of appeals erred in holding that the district court’s failure to instruct the jury on an essential element of the offense—that the defendant knew he was a person prohibited from possessing a firearm—was not plain error.
What the Court decided
Holding
Motion to proceed in forma pauperis and petition for a writ of certiorari granted. Judgment vacated and case remanded for further consideration in light of Davis v. United States, 589 U. S. ___ (2020) ( per curiam ).
- Result
- Remanded
What's next
The Fifth Circuit must reconsider the case in light of Davis v. United States.
Documents
Docket activity
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AI analysis generated: Case Briefing
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Case data updated: summary, question_presented, generation_metadata
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Sources
Primary materials plus reporting. Best-effort analysis: this explainer relies on a mix of primary materials and trusted secondary sources. Official filings and opinions remain authoritative.