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 Petitioners, the case concerns whether the phrase “term of imprisonment” in the federal good‑time statute means the sentence imposed.
Mr. Sady argues that when good‑time credit is unavailable, requiring a prisoner to serve a higher percentage of the imposed term constitutes imprisonment.
Background and question before the Court
Justice Scalia asked whether the phrase “term of imprisonment” always means the sentence imposed.
According to Justice Sotomayor, justice Sotomayor requested to rephrase Justice Alito’s question in a simpler way.
Justice Breyer asked whether the petitioner wants credit for 54 days for the tenth year.
According to Justice Stevens, justice Stevens inquired whether misbehavior in year 3 would affect good‑time credits for earlier years.
Justice Kennedy asked whether the Rule of Lenity applies if the BOP lacks authority.
Justice Kennedy asked how the Granderson case should be explained.
- [1] 58bc74971692b2c563b8-r1-86d8765d626480a3.pdf, p. 3
- [2] 58bc74971692b2c563b8-r1-86d8765d626480a3.pdf, p. 8
- [3] 58bc74971692b2c563b8-r1-86d8765d626480a3.pdf, p. 20
- [4] 58bc74971692b2c563b8-r1-86d8765d626480a3.pdf, p. 37
- [5] 58bc74971692b2c563b8-r1-86d8765d626480a3.pdf, p. 39
- [6] 58bc74971692b2c563b8-r1-86d8765d626480a3.pdf, p. 39
What each side argues
Petitioners
According to Petitioners, the phrase “term of imprisonment” means the sentence imposed.
Mr. Sady
According to Mr. Sady, when good‑time credit is unavailable, requiring a prisoner to serve a higher percentage of the imposed term constitutes imprisonment.
What happened at oral argument
According to Justice Scalia, justice Scalia questioned whether “term of imprisonment” always means the sentence imposed.
Justice Sotomayor asked to rephrase Justice Alito’s question.
According to Justice Breyer, justice Breyer sought clarification on the requested 54‑day credit for the tenth year.
According to Justice Stevens, justice Stevens inquired about the effect of misbehavior on good‑time credits across years.
Justice Kennedy asked whether the Rule of Lenity applies if the BOP lacks authority.
Justice Kennedy asked how the Granderson case should be explained.
- [1] 58bc74971692b2c563b8-r1-86d8765d626480a3.pdf, p. 3
- [2] 58bc74971692b2c563b8-r1-86d8765d626480a3.pdf, p. 8
- [3] 58bc74971692b2c563b8-r1-86d8765d626480a3.pdf, p. 20
- [4] 58bc74971692b2c563b8-r1-86d8765d626480a3.pdf, p. 37
- [5] 58bc74971692b2c563b8-r1-86d8765d626480a3.pdf, p. 39
- [6] 58bc74971692b2c563b8-r1-86d8765d626480a3.pdf, p. 39
What the Court decided
Why it matters
Terms to know
- term of imprisonment
- sentence imposed
Primary sources
Read the source materials on the official site or open the immutable repository copy used for this guide.
- 58bc74971692b2c563b8-r1-86d8765d626480a3.pdforal argument transcript
Guide generated September 23, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.