No. 19-7691October Term 2019Decided Apr 20, 2020Updated Sep 3, 2026
In Re Wilbert Norwood Starks, Petitioner
The Supreme Court reversed in Starks's case, which involved his effort to file another challenge under § 2255.
Case status
Decided · April 20, 2020
- Current stage
- Decided
- Latest event
- Decision released Apr 20, 2020
- What it's about
Federal prisoner Wilbert Norwood Starks asked the Supreme Court to order the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit to let him file another motion under 28 U.S.C. § 2255 to challenge his conviction or sentence. He argued that the Court’s decision in Rehaif v. United States gave him a new basis for that post-conviction claim.
Question presented
Whether the United States Supreme Court should issue a Writ of Mandamus to the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit to compel that court to authorize the filing of a second or successive motion to vacate, set aside, or correct sentence under 28 U.S.C. § 2255, in light of the Supreme Court's decision in Rehaif v. United States, 139 S. Ct. 2191 (2019)?
- Case path
Decision released Apr 20, 2020
- Area
Decided Supreme Court case
Decision
What the Court decided
The Supreme Court reversed in Starks's case, which involved his effort to file another challenge under § 2255.
Impact
The reversal affects Starks's effort to bring another post-conviction challenge based on Rehaif v. United States. It matters to federal prisoners seeking to use Rehaif in later challenges to their convictions or sentences.
Not official Court text.
Briefing
What it's about
The Supreme Court reversed in Wilbert Norwood Starks's case. Starks had asked the Court to order the Tenth Circuit to let him file another motion challenging his conviction or sentence under 28 U.S.C. § 2255.
Impact
The reversal affects Starks's effort to bring another post-conviction challenge based on Rehaif v. United States. It matters to federal prisoners seeking to use Rehaif in later challenges to their convictions or sentences.
What's next
The Supreme Court has finished this docket action. The effect of the reversal will be addressed in the proceedings involving Starks's post-conviction claim.
What did the Supreme Court rule in Starks's case?
The Court reversed in Starks's case. The case involved his request to file another § 2255 challenge.
Who is affected by the Starks decision?
Starks is directly affected because he sought another challenge to his conviction or sentence. Other federal prisoners may watch its treatment of Rehaif-based claims.
What happens next in Starks's case?
The Supreme Court has completed its docket action. Further proceedings will address the effect of the reversal on Starks's post-conviction claim.
Timing
Decided April 20, 2020
The Court released its decision on April 20, 2020 without hearing oral argument.
Documents
Activity
Docket activity2
AI analysis generated: Case Briefing
Sep 3, 2026 | Generated
Brief added: Petition
Feb 11, 2020 | Court records
Related cases
Grounding
- Grounding
- Primary materials plus reporting.
- Note
- Best-effort analysis: this explainer relies on a mix of primary materials and trusted secondary sources. Official filings and opinions remain authoritative.
- Checked
- Sep 3, 2026
- Method
- Methodology