This educational guide is based on the linked primary sources. It is not a Court publication, is not affiliated with the Court, and is not legal advice.
In brief
Overview
According to Petitioner (William B. Collins), according to Petitioner (William B. Collins), the petitioner argued that the Ninth Circuit decision should be reversed because the Washington court’s adjudication was not objectively unreasonable.
According to Mr. Collins, petitioner further contended that the adjudication by the PRP court was not objectively unreasonable when viewed in its entirety.
Background and question before the Court
Justice Kennedy asked whether there is a constitutional minimum requirement for scienter with reference to an accomplice.
What each side argues
Petitioner (CENTER)
According to Petitioner (William B. Collins), according to Petitioner (William B. Collins), the petitioner seeks reversal of the Ninth Circuit decision, arguing that the Washington court’s adjudication was not objectively unreasonable.
According to Mr. Collins, the petitioner argues that the PRP court’s decision was not objectively unreasonable when viewed in its entirety.
Respondent (CESAR SARAUSAD)
Source-limited. The record does not yet support a complete account.
What happened at oral argument
According to Justice Kennedy, justice Kennedy questioned whether a constitutional minimum for scienter applies to an accomplice.
According to Justice Souter, justice Souter raised a hypothetical about a “dime, dollar” argument and its relevance to the case.
Justice Scalia asked whether the prosecutors misapplied the “in for a dime, in for a dollar” standard.
According to Justice Stevens, justice Stevens inquired about the applicability of a statutory instruction to the accomplice scenario.
What the Court decided
Why it matters
Terms to know
No glossary terms are available for this guide.
Primary sources
Read the source materials on the official site or open the immutable repository copy used for this guide.
- 399910ce9a86f717adaf-r1-663e6d6ceb1bb218.pdforal argument transcript
Guide generated September 22, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.