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 Justice Thomas, the Court examined whether the ACCA’s elements clause covers a reckless aggravated assault conviction.
What each side argues
Petitioner (Charles Borden, Jr.)
According to Petitioner, the word means “in opposition to,” introducing the target of the preceding action.
United States (Government)
According to United States, the United States defined “against” as meaning “making contact with,” describing the mere recipient of force.
According to United States, the Government pointed to the Court’s decision in Voisine as its main response to the petitioner’s arguments.
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.
- 962ede2180a7b13ce03e-r1-e5b53a3d09a8a7fb.pdfopinion
- e442c8fed86edc9deda7-r1-668d227dd064d252.pdforal argument transcript
Guide generated September 28, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.