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Barrettv.United States

CourtSupreme Court of the United States
Docket No.24-5774
Decided2026-01-14
ReporterSlip Opinion, No. 24-5774
JudgesSupreme Court of the United States
Tags
Supreme CourtDouble JeopardyFirearms18 U.S.C. § 924(c)18 U.S.C. § 924(j)Multiple ConvictionsStatutory Interpretation
Case Summary

Barrett received separate convictions under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) and § 924(j) based on the same firearm use resulting in death. The Supreme Court held that Congress did not clearly authorize two convictions for the same act. Section 924(j) incorporates the elements of § 924(c) and adds that death resulted under specified circumstances; it does not create cumulative punishment for both the greater and lesser offense absent a clear indication from Congress. The Court reversed the judgment insofar as it permitted both convictions and remanded for the lower court to provide the appropriate remedy.

Opinion

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