Barrett v. United States

The Court decided that Congress did not allow two convictions under 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i) and (j) when one firearm-related act violates both provisions. A person whose use of a firearm during a violent crime results in death faces one conviction, not two.

Justice Jackson wrote the 9–0 opinion, joined by Chief Justice Roberts and Justices Thomas, Alito, Kagan, Sotomayor, Kavanaugh, and Barrett; Justice Gorsuch concurred.

Justice Jackson wrote for a unanimous 9-0 Court.

Majority

Jackson

Roberts

Thomas

Alito

Kagan

Sotomayor

Gorsuch

Kavanaugh

Barrett

“Congress did not authorize convictions under both provisions for a single act that violates both.”

The decision prevents duplicate convictions for the same firearm-related act under these two provisions. It affects defendants sentenced under both sections for one act, as well as prosecutors and courts handling similar cases.

Lower courts must apply the decision in future cases involving these two provisions. Parties with two convictions for a single act may seek review consistent with the Court's decision.

The Court said one act cannot produce convictions under both 18 U.S.C. §§ 924(c)(1)(A)(i) and (j).

Defendants charged under both provisions for one firearm-related act are affected. Federal prosecutors and lower courts must also follow the decision.

Lower courts must use the Court's rule in similar cases. Affected parties may ask courts to review duplicate convictions.