Concepcion v. United States
View Official PDFBelow are plain-language sections to help you understand what the Court decided in Concepcion 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 Concepcion v. United States.
The Supreme Court decided that the First Step Act allows district courts to consider intervening changes of law or fact when deciding whether to reduce a sentence. Carlos Concepcion, who was sentenced as a career offender, sought a sentence reduction under this Act. The Court emphasized that district courts have broad discretion to consider all relevant information, including postsentencing rehabilitation and changes in law.
Holding
The single most important “bottom line” of what the Court decided in Concepcion v. United States.
The Court held that the First Step Act allows district courts to consider intervening changes of law or fact in exercising their discretion to reduce a sentence.
Constitutional Concepts
These are the Constitution-related themes that appear in Concepcion v. United States. Click a concept to see other cases that involve the same idea.
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Why Ex Post Facto is relevant to Concepcion v. United States
The case involves the retroactive application of the Fair Sentencing Act, which implicates the prohibition on retroactively increasing punishment.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)The First Step Act allows district courts to consider intervening changes of law or fact in exercising their discretion to reduce a sentence.
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Why Procedural Due Process is relevant to Concepcion v. United States
The case discusses the discretion of district courts in considering various factors when modifying sentences, which relates to fair procedures.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)Federal courts historically have exercised broad discretion to consider all relevant information at an initial sentencing hearing.
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Why Judicial Review is relevant to Concepcion v. United States
The case involves the review of district court decisions regarding sentence modifications under the First Step Act.
Syllabus excerpt (verbatim)The broad discretion that the First Step Act affords to district courts also counsels in favor of deferential appellate review.
Key Quotes
Short excerpts from the syllabus in Concepcion v. United States that support the summary and concepts above.
The First Step Act allows district courts to consider intervening changes of law or fact in exercising their discretion to reduce a sentence.
Federal courts historically have exercised broad discretion to consider all relevant information at an initial sentencing hearing.
The text of the First Step Act does not so much as hint that district courts are prohibited from considering evidence of rehabilitation.
