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
Background and question before the Court
According to Lars R. Isaacson (Petitioner), according to Lars R. Isaacson (Petitioner), the plea agreement at issue did not contain a provision that would void the agreement if the defendant committed a crime while incarcerated.
According to Justice Scalia, justice Scalia characterized such conduct as a breach of contract.
Justice Ginsburg asked whether the defendant’s criminal conduct while in jail constituted a breach of the plea agreement.
The case therefore raises the question whether the defendant’s conduct while incarcerated breaches the plea agreement.
- [1] 92daa64816ad82a892f7-r1-fc493ae52d06eac5.pdf, p. 5
- [2] 92daa64816ad82a892f7-r1-fc493ae52d06eac5.pdf, p. 4
- [3] 92daa64816ad82a892f7-r1-fc493ae52d06eac5.pdf, p. 3
- [4] 92daa64816ad82a892f7-r1-fc493ae52d06eac5.pdf, p. 3
- [5] 92daa64816ad82a892f7-r1-fc493ae52d06eac5.pdf, p. 4
- [6] 92daa64816ad82a892f7-r1-fc493ae52d06eac5.pdf, p. 5
What each side argues
Petitioner Position
According to Lars R. Isaacson (Petitioner), according to Lars R. Isaacson (Petitioner), petitioner argues that the plea agreement lacks a clause that automatically voids the agreement upon the defendant’s criminal activity while in jail.
The Government argued that any alleged breach would not affect sentencing and therefore would not meet the plain‑error or harmless‑error standards.
Respondent Position
According to Ms. SCHERTLER, Ms. Schertler referenced paragraph 8 of the plea agreement.
What happened at oral argument
Oral argument in this case began at 10:12 a.m. before the Supreme Court.
Ms. Lisa H. Schertler presented the respondent’s arguments during oral argument.
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.
- 92daa64816ad82a892f7-r1-fc493ae52d06eac5.pdforal argument transcript
Guide generated September 23, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.