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
The case concerns whether the discharge provision of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) requires a specific intent, and whether a firearm discharge that occurs during a bank robbery triggers the mandatory minimum sentence.
Background and question before the Court
The central question is whether the discharge provision of § 924(c) carries a requirement of intent.
What each side argues
Petitioner Position
The petitioner argues that the discharge provision requires intent, must occur during the robbery, and that Congress intended an intentional discharge to carry a 20‑year penalty.
- [1] 3f4e856eec6893723653-r1-df54ad0cd6252e33.pdf, p. 3
- [2] 3f4e856eec6893723653-r1-df54ad0cd6252e33.pdf, p. 20
- [3] 3f4e856eec6893723653-r1-df54ad0cd6252e33.pdf, p. 39
- [4] 3f4e856eec6893723653-r1-df54ad0cd6252e33.pdf, p. 3
- [5] 3f4e856eec6893723653-r1-df54ad0cd6252e33.pdf, p. 20
- [6] 3f4e856eec6893723653-r1-df54ad0cd6252e33.pdf, p. 39
Respondent Position
The respondent contends that a discharge occurring while the § 924(c) offense is ongoing triggers the mandatory minimum, that a teller’s discharge counts, and that Congress intended a mens‑rea element and recognized the dangerous nature of the conduct.
- [1] 3f4e856eec6893723653-r1-df54ad0cd6252e33.pdf, p. 29
- [2] 3f4e856eec6893723653-r1-df54ad0cd6252e33.pdf, p. 31
- [3] 3f4e856eec6893723653-r1-df54ad0cd6252e33.pdf, p. 34
- [4] 3f4e856eec6893723653-r1-df54ad0cd6252e33.pdf, p. 35
- [5] 3f4e856eec6893723653-r1-df54ad0cd6252e33.pdf, p. 29
- [6] 3f4e856eec6893723653-r1-df54ad0cd6252e33.pdf, p. 31
- [7] 3f4e856eec6893723653-r1-df54ad0cd6252e33.pdf, p. 34
- [8] 3f4e856eec6893723653-r1-df54ad0cd6252e33.pdf, p. 35
What happened at oral argument
The case was heard before the Supreme Court at 11:10 a.m.
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.
- 3f4e856eec6893723653-r1-df54ad0cd6252e33.pdforal argument transcript
Guide generated September 23, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.