Greer v. United States
View Official PDFBelow are plain-language sections to help you understand what the Court decided in Greer v. United States and why it matters. Quotes are taken from the syllabus (the Court’s short summary at the start of the opinion).
Summary
A short, plain-English overview of Greer v. United States.
In Greer v. United States, the Supreme Court addressed the application of plain-error review in cases involving Rehaif errors. The Court determined that such errors do not warrant relief unless the defendant shows a reasonable probability that the outcome would have been different. Both Greer and Gary failed to demonstrate that they were unaware of their felon status when possessing firearms.
Holding
The single most important “bottom line” of what the Court decided in Greer v. United States.
The Court held that in felon-in-possession cases, a Rehaif error is not a basis for plain-error relief unless the defendant makes a sufficient argument on appeal.
Constitutional Concepts
These are the Constitution-related themes that appear in Greer v. United States. Click a concept to see other cases that involve the same idea.
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Why Procedural Due Process is relevant to Greer v. United States
The case involves whether the defendants were properly informed of the mens rea element required for conviction, which relates to fair procedures in criminal trials.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)Greer requested a new trial based on the District Court's failure to instruct the jury that Greer had to know he was a felon to be found guilty.
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Why Right to Jury Trial is relevant to Greer v. United States
The case discusses the necessity of jury instructions regarding the defendant's knowledge of their felon status, which is a factual issue for the jury to decide.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)Greer did not request—and the District Court did not give—a jury instruction requiring the jury to find that Greer knew he was a felon when he possessed the firearm.
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Why Self-Incrimination is relevant to Greer v. United States
The case involves the defendants' knowledge of their status as felons, which relates to their admissions during plea colloquies and the implications of such admissions on their convictions.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)Gary argued that his guilty plea must be vacated because the District Court failed to advise him that, if he went to trial, a jury would have to find that he knew he was a felon.
Key Quotes
Short excerpts from the syllabus in Greer v. United States that support the summary and concepts above.
In Rehaif v. United States, 588 U. S. –––, the Court clarified the mens rea requirement for firearms-possession offenses under 18 U. S. C. § 922(g).
Greer's conviction resulted from a jury trial during which Greer did not request—and the District Court did not give—a jury instruction requiring the jury to find that Greer knew he was a felon.
Gary argued that his guilty plea must be vacated because the District Court failed to advise him that, if he went to trial, a jury would have to find that he knew he was a felon.
