No. 25-7670October Term 2025Before Arguments
Keenon Green, Petitioner v. United States
from the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Case status
- Current stage
- Before Arguments
- Latest event
- Accepted by the Court
- Decision timing
- No window until argument is scheduled.
- What it's about
from the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Question presented
1. Whether a court may deny discovery on a selective enforcement claim where the defendant has presented evidence—more than mere speculation—of a racially discriminatory pattern, on the ground that the showing is insufficiently comprehensive or representative. 2. Whether a court may deny discovery on a selective enforcement claim by treating a defendant’s initiation of contact with law enforcement as a factor weighing against discovery, notwithstanding that law enforcement retains discretion over whether and how to pursue the investigation.
- Case path
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit / Accepted by the Court
- Area
Supreme Court case awaiting argument
Timing
Expected by late June 2026, if argued this term
The Court granted review but has not yet scheduled oral argument. Once argued, the median case reaches a decision in 94 days. Nearly all cases are decided by the end of the term in which they are argued.
Briefing
What it's about
Keenon Green is asking the Supreme Court to review a Ninth Circuit case about discovery (access to evidence) for a selective enforcement claim (a claim that law enforcement targeted someone because of race). The petition says courts should not block discovery when a defendant shows more than speculation of a racial pattern, or because the defendant first contacted law enforcement even though officers still controlled how to pursue the investigation.
Argument
No argument is scheduled yet. The petition asks the Court to decide whether courts are setting the bar too high for discovery in selective enforcement cases, including in the Ninth Circuit.
Impact
The case could shape how hard it is for criminal defendants to get records and other evidence needed to test claims of racial bias in investigations. For example, a defendant who points to a pattern in similar cases may need discovery to try to prove that race played a role.
What is at stake in Keenon Green v. United States?
The case asks when a defendant can get discovery to support a claim of racially selective law enforcement. It also questions whether starting contact with police should count against discovery.
Who could be affected by Keenon Green v. United States?
Criminal defendants who claim investigators treated people differently because of race could be affected most. Law enforcement agencies could also face broader requests for records and data.
What happens next in Keenon Green v. United States?
The justices must decide whether to hear the case. If they take it, the next major step would be briefing and then oral argument.
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
- Jul 17, 2026
- Method
- Methodology