Questions presented
SCOTUS records, cert granted 23 Apr 2018
Whether burglary of a nonpermanent or mobile structure that is adapted or used for overnight accommodation can qualify as "burglary" under the Armed Career Criminal Act of 1984, 18 U.S.C. 924(e)(2)(B)(ii).
Opinion summary
Etalia.ai summary of the majority opinion
The case involved the interpretation of the Armed Career Criminal Act (ACCA) and whether a burglary conviction under Arkansas law qualifies as a 'violent felony' for enhanced sentencing. The Supreme Court held that an offense counts as burglary under ACCA if it involves unlawful entry into, or remaining in, a building or structure with intent to commit a crime. This decision was based on the categorical approach, which examines whether state statutes match federal definitions without considering specific facts of individual cases. The ruling clarified how courts should determine predicate offenses for ACCA enhancements by focusing on statutory elements rather than underlying conduct.
Opinion written by Justice Breyer
Decided 10 Dec 2018 · Official report