No. 19-8049October Term 2019Decided April 20, 2020Updated Sep 5, 2026
Ruff v. United States
The Court declined review, so the Fourth Circuit's judgment remained in place without a Supreme Court decision on the legal question.
Case status
Where it stands
Decided · April 20, 2020
Question presented
Whether North Carolina common-law robbery is a "violent felony" under the Armed Career Criminal Act’s "force clause," 18 U.S.C. § 924(e)(2)(B)(i)?
Timeline
Decision
What the Court decided
The Court declined review, so the Fourth Circuit's judgment remained in place without a Supreme Court decision on the legal question.
Impact
The lower-court result remains in effect for people facing the Armed Career Criminal Act's enhanced sentencing provision in the Fourth Circuit. For example, a defendant with a North Carolina common-law robbery conviction may still face that lower court's approach at sentencing.
Briefing
What it's about
The Supreme Court declined to review Ruff's case on April 20, 2020. It left the Fourth Circuit's judgment for the United States in place and did not decide whether North Carolina common-law robbery counts as a violent felony under the Armed Career Criminal Act.
Impact
The lower-court result remains in effect for people facing the Armed Career Criminal Act's enhanced sentencing provision in the Fourth Circuit. For example, a defendant with a North Carolina common-law robbery conviction may still face that lower court's approach at sentencing.
What's next
The Supreme Court has finished its action in this case. The Fourth Circuit's judgment remains in effect.
What did the Supreme Court rule in Ruff v. United States?
The Court declined review and did not decide the merits. The Fourth Circuit's judgment for the United States stayed in place.
Who is affected by the Ruff case?
People in the Fourth Circuit whose federal sentences may be enhanced based on North Carolina common-law robbery convictions can be affected.
What happens next in Ruff v. United States?
The Supreme Court has finished this docket action. The Fourth Circuit's judgment continues to govern the case.
Timing
Decided April 20, 2020
The Court released its decision on April 20, 2020 without hearing oral argument.
Documents
Activity
AI analysis generated: Case Briefing
Brief added: Petition
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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.