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 Benjamin Horwich, the case concerns the interpretation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1), which defines a single crime of using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence or a drug‑trafficking crime.
Background and question before the Court
What each side argues
Government
According to Government, the government cannot point to a single defendant under § 924(c)(1) for the conduct at issue who has ever received more than ten years in prison absent the use of a machine gun.
Respondents
According to Respondents, respondents have offered nothing in the way of a justification for overruling Harris.
Benjamin Horwich
According to Benjamin Horwich, section 924(c)(1) starts by defining a single crime of using or carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence or a drug‑trafficking crime.
Mr. Fisher
According to Mr. Fisher, castillo gives the answer on tradition for purposes of construing the new amendments.
According to Mr. Fisher, the government must prove knowledge, which could serve as an alternative basis for deciding the case.
What happened at oral argument
The oral argument began at 11:14 a.m.
Justice Breyer asked whether the government believes it has sufficiently argued the issue or if it should be set for reargument.
Justice Sotomayor asked, “How do we find substantive unreasonableness?”
Justice Scalia asked whether the prior statute (18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1)) said anything about brandishing or discharge.
Justice Kennedy asked whether the government must show that the machine gun is operable.
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.
- 67473281148504fb1bc9-r1-45234a80b97f2346.pdforal argument transcript
Guide generated September 23, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.