No. 19-8340

Christopher Scruggs v. United States

Lower Court: Eighth Circuit
Docketed: 2020-04-22
Status: Denied
Type: IFP
Response WaivedIFP
Tags: criminal-law distribution distribution-intent file-sharing knowledge knowledge-standard mens-rea sentencing sentencing-guidelines
Latest Conference: 2020-05-21
Question Presented (from Petition)

The Sentencing Commission promulgated Amendment 801, amending to only apply when a defendant 2G2.2(b) (3) (F) enhancement "knowingly engaged in distribution." In so doing it imposed a mens rea level of knowledge on the conduct. The question presented is:

1. Whether "knowingly engaged in distribution," as it occurs in sentencing guideline 2*G2.2{b) (3)(F), means that a defendant must have knowledge that ones files are accessible online, or whether it is enough that one have general knowledge that the software one is using is file sharing capable software.

Question Presented (AI Summary)

Whether 'knowingly engaged in distribution' in sentencing guideline 2G2.2(b)(3)(F) requires knowledge that files are accessible online or only general knowledge of file-sharing software

Docket Entries

2020-05-26
Petition DENIED.
2020-05-06
DISTRIBUTED for Conference of 5/21/2020.
2020-04-24
Waiver of right of respondent United States to respond filed.
2020-03-25
Petition for a writ of certiorari and motion for leave to proceed in forma pauperis filed. (Response due May 22, 2020)

Attorneys

Christopher Scruggs
Christopher Scruggs — Petitioner
United States
Noel J. FranciscoSolicitor General, Respondent