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Docket 95-7452
Docket 95-7452

Lynce v. Mathis

The Supreme Court reviewed whether a Florida law that retroactively canceled early release credits already awarded to inmates due to prison overcrowding violated the Constitution. The Court determined that revoking these credits effectively increased the punishment for a crime after it was committed, which is prohibited.

Status
Decided
Decision released
Feb 19, 1997

Decision briefing

The case in plain English

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What are the basics?

The Supreme Court reviewed whether a Florida law that retroactively canceled early release credits already awarded to inmates due to prison overcrowding violated the Constitution. The Court determined that revoking these credits effectively increased the punishment for a crime after it was committed, which is prohibited.

Where things stand

Timeline

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Case Accepted
Arguments HeardUpcoming
Decision ReleasedFeb 19, 1997

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Primary materials

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Opinions

Lynce
opinionBy Stevens, Thomas, Scalia

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