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, the case questions whether military appellate courts have jurisdiction under the All Writs Act to entertain coram nobis challenges to final court‑martial convictions.
According to Petitioner, the case also asks whether a civilian, such as the respondent, may invoke the military court system for such relief.
Background and question before the Court
According to Petitioner, the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces previously held that military appellate courts possess open‑ended jurisdiction under the All Writs Act to entertain a coram nobis challenge to the merits of a final court‑martial conviction.
Justice Ginsburg asked how the issue differs from the general rule that a judgment becomes final and has preclusive effect once the appellate route has been exhausted or the time to pursue it has expired.
What each side argues
United States (Petitioner)
According to Petitioner, military appellate courts lack jurisdiction under the All Writs Act because Congress did not confer such authority.
According to Petitioner, the Uniform Code of Military Justice limits appellate jurisdiction to the findings and sentences of a court‑martial; it does not permit further review such as coram nobis.
According to Petitioner, congress could legislate broadly for collateral remedies, but the All Writs Act does not itself provide an independent basis of jurisdiction; such basis exists only in Article III courts.
According to Mr. Shah (Petitioner), according to Mr. Shah (Petitioner), the government’s position is that a person who has completed his enlistment cannot be retried in military courts after a conviction is set aside.
Jacob Denedo (Respondent)
Source-limited. The record does not yet support a complete account.
What happened at 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.
- 1cb0f708d6799d52356f-r1-dfee6d22d9f1f5e7.pdforal argument transcript
Guide generated September 23, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.