The Supreme Court says prosecutors must prove that people charged with violating federal gun laws knew they were not allowed to have a weapon. The government says the decision could affect thousands of prosecutions of convicted criminals who are barred from having a firearm. The court ruled 7-2 Friday
WASHINGTON — The Supreme Court says prosecutors must prove that people charged with violating federal gun laws knew they were not allowed to have a weapon. The government says the decision could affect thousands of prosecutions of convicted criminals who are barred from having a firearm.
Prosecutors never proved that the student, Hamid Rehaif, knew he couldn't have a gun, and lower courts ruled they didn't have to. Justice Stephen Breyer wrote in his majority opinion that the law at issue requires prosecutors to show both that the person had a gun and knew he shouldn't. Justice Samuel Alito wrote in a dissent that was joined by Justice Clarence Thomas that the decision"opens the gates to a flood of litigation that is sure to burden the lower courts."
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