No. 20-7073

Donovan Muskett v. United States

Lower Court: Tenth Circuit
Docketed: 2021-02-09
Status: Denied
Type: IFP
Response WaivedIFP
Tags: circuit-split criminal-consequences due-process fair-warning precedent retroactive-application
Latest Conference: 2021-03-19
Question Presented (from Petition)

In the absence of a circuit split, can a single decision from another circuit afford fair warning that the federal circuit in which an individual resides may overrule settled precedent dictating that his conduct is innocent? The Tenth Circuit approved retroactive application of its decision attaching criminal consequences to conduct that was innocent when it took place. Other circuits have permitted retroactive application only of decisions from this Court that resolved a circuit split existing at the time an offense was committed.

Question Presented (AI Summary)

Can a single decision from another circuit afford fair warning that the federal circuit in which an individual resides may overrule settled precedent dictating that his conduct is innocent?

Docket Entries

2021-03-22
Petition DENIED.
2021-02-25
DISTRIBUTED for Conference of 3/19/2021.
2021-02-23
Waiver of right of respondent United States to respond filed.
2021-02-03
Petition for a writ of certiorari and motion for leave to proceed in forma pauperis filed. (Response due March 11, 2021)

Attorneys

Donovan Muskett
Aric Grant ElsenheimerFederal Public Defender for the District of New Mexico, Petitioner
United States
Elizabeth B. PrelogarActing Solicitor General, Respondent