Warning

Info

LSD+ is ad-free, with DMs, discounts, case briefs & more.
Chris22, HLS '22 |

0 0

Back to briefs

Rosemond v. United States

134 S. Ct. 1240 (2014)

tl;dr: Acting to advance on element of a criminal offense is sufficient to support a conviction for aiding and abetting.

1L is really, really hard. Save time, crush cold calls, and excel on exams with LSD's AI case briefs.

We simplify dense legal cases into easy-to-understand summaries, helping you master legal complexities and excel in your studies.

AI Deep DiveHighlight a legal term to see the definition

Font size -+
Level 1
Click below 👇 to deep dive

The Supreme Court ruled that, in a federal criminal case, the defendant must have prior knowledge that their partner would carry a firearm and actively participate in the crime to be charged with violating a federal criminal statute. The case in question involved a drug transaction. The defendant was charged for using or carrying a firearm during a violent crime or drug trafficking. The Supreme Court stated that the trial court's jury instructions were insufficient, as they did not mandate proof that the defendant knew in advance that their accomplice had a firearm.

For the aiding and abetting of a § 924(c) offense, a defendant can be convicted even if they only aided or participated in some of the crime-related stages. However, the defendant must have the intent to facilitate the entire crime charged, including any predicate crime and gun use, and must actively participate in the criminal venture while having full knowledge of the circumstances constituting the charged offense.

If an accomplice in a drug transaction is aware that their co-conspirator will carry a gun, they are considered an aider and abettor of a § 924(c) violation. To be regarded as such, the defendant must have the opportunity to alter the plan or withdraw from the enterprise, and they must possess prior knowledge of the firearm. The defendant's intent to aid and abet a § 924(c) violation is determined by their decision to participate in the illegal scheme with full knowledge.

The District Court's jury instructions were inadequate in a § 924(c) prosecution as they failed to explain that the defendant needed prior knowledge of a firearm's presence. The Supreme Court returned the case to the Tenth Circuit to determine the impact of the District Court's errors.

The Court's new approach to mens rea for aiding and abetting is unprecedented and places a difficult burden on the prosecution. The Court's analysis is incorrect because it confuses intent and motive. In cases involving aiding and abetting of § 924(c) offenses, the prosecution must prove intent, which is difficult because only the defendant knows it. The dissenting opinion disagrees with the Court's decision to place the burden of proof on the government to prove that an alleged aider and abettor of a § 924(c) offense had a realistic opportunity to refrain from engaging in the conduct at issue, arguing that it goes against common-law tradition and case law.

LSD+ is ad-free, with DMs, discounts, case briefs & more.

IRACIssue, Rule, Analysis, Conclusion

🤯 High points 🤯Key points contributed by students on LSD

LSD+ is ad-free, with DMs, discounts, case briefs & more.

Facts & Holding

Facts:The defendant and Joseph accompanied Perez to a drug sale....

Holding:The Court held that acting to advance one element of...

LSD+ is ad-free, with DMs, discounts, case briefs & more.

Rosemond v. United States

Chat for Rosemond v. United States
brief-727
👍 Chat vibe: 0 👎
Help us make LSD better!
Tell us what's important to you
LSD+ is ad-free, with DMs, discounts, case briefs & more.