{"argument_date":"2016-03-30T00:00:00Z","arguments":[{"argument_date":"2016-03-30T00:00:00Z","heading":"What happened at the argument","official_detail_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcript/2015","official_transcript_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","paragraphs":["Mr. Ali argued Johnson is a substantive rule.","Mr. Dreeben agreed Johnson is substantive and retroactive.","questions_and_answers"],"reargument":false,"sequence":1,"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 11, lines 26-50","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 11, lines 26-50"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 11, lines 52-26","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 11, lines 52-26"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 12, lines 32-34","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 12, lines 32-34"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 13, lines 52-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 13, lines 52-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 14, lines 30-36","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 14, lines 30-36"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 14, lines 6-18","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 14, lines 6-18"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 15, lines 6-14","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 15, lines 6-14"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 23, lines 52-20","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 23, lines 52-20"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 20-48","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 20-48"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 8-18","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 8-18"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 4-12","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 4-12"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 26-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 5, lines 26-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 22-46","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 6, lines 22-46"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 52-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 6, lines 52-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 14-22","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 7, lines 14-22"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 24-30","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 24-30"}]}],"caption":"Welch v. United States","case_history":[{"changed_at":"2026-08-29T20:06:22.423293Z","explanation":"An official oral-argument transcript was verified.","status":"argued"}],"case_status":"argued","dek":"the sides that brought the case seek retroactive relief. The government opposes this application.","dek_sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 11, lines 26-50","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 11, lines 26-50"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 23, lines 52-20","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 23, lines 52-20"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 20-48","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 20-48"}],"dispositions":[],"latest_court_document_date":"2016-03-30T00:00:00Z","maturity":"official_transcript","official_detail_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcript/2015","official_disposition_urls":[],"official_docket_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/docket/docketfiles/html/public/15-6418.html","primary_docket":"15-6418","revisions":[{"correction_note":"Rewritten to the concise citizen-facing editorial standard.","created_at":"2026-08-30T19:00:32.605039Z","maturity":"official_transcript","revision_number":1},{"correction_note":"Migrated to the dated official Court activity contract without model use.","created_at":"2026-09-05T03:22:24Z","maturity":"official_transcript","revision_number":2}],"schema_version":"1.1","sections":[{"heading":"What this case is about","paragraphs":["This case tests whether a new legal rule applies to old convictions."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 11, lines 26-50","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 11, lines 26-50"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 23, lines 52-20","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 23, lines 52-20"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 20-48","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 20-48"}]},{"heading":"How the case got here","paragraphs":["The Supreme Court heard oral argument in this case on March 30, 2016."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 8-18","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 8-18"}]},{"heading":"What each side wants","paragraphs":["the sides that brought the case want the new rule to apply to their past convictions.","The government wants the new rule to apply only to future cases."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 11, lines 26-50","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 11, lines 26-50"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 23, lines 52-20","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 23, lines 52-20"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 20-48","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 20-48"}]},{"heading":"What each side says","paragraphs":["the sides that brought the case argue the rule defines substantive criminal law.","The government argues the rule eliminates a sentencing basis."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 11, lines 26-50","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 11, lines 26-50"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 23, lines 52-20","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 23, lines 52-20"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 20-48","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 20-48"}]},{"heading":"What the justices asked","paragraphs":["Justice Kennedy asked if the sentence stayed within statutory limits.","Justice Ginsburg asked if the elements clause was decided below."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 11, lines 52-26","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 11, lines 52-26"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 12, lines 32-34","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 12, lines 32-34"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 13, lines 52-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 13, lines 52-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 14, lines 30-36","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 14, lines 30-36"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 14, lines 6-18","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 14, lines 6-18"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 15, lines 6-14","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 15, lines 6-14"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 4-12","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 4-12"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 26-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 5, lines 26-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 22-46","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 6, lines 22-46"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 52-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 6, lines 52-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 14-22","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 7, lines 14-22"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 24-30","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 24-30"}]},{"heading":"Why it matters","paragraphs":["This dispute determines who receives retroactive relief. It affects the finality of criminal convictions. It shapes the scope of federal sentencing laws."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 11, lines 26-50","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 11, lines 26-50"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 23, lines 52-20","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 23, lines 52-20"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 20-48","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 20-48"}]},{"heading":"What happens next","paragraphs":["This article currently covers the argument record. Use the official docket link for later case activity."],"sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 11, lines 52-26","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 11, lines 52-26"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 12, lines 32-34","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 12, lines 32-34"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 13, lines 52-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 13, lines 52-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 14, lines 30-36","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 14, lines 30-36"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 14, lines 6-18","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 14, lines 6-18"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 15, lines 6-14","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 15, lines 6-14"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 8-18","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 8-18"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 4, lines 4-12","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 4, lines 4-12"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 5, lines 26-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 5, lines 26-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 22-46","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 6, lines 22-46"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 6, lines 52-1","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 6, lines 52-1"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 7, lines 14-22","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 7, lines 14-22"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 8, lines 24-30","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 8, lines 24-30"}]}],"slug":"2015-15-6418-welch-v-united-states","term":"2015","title":"Does the Johnson ruling apply to past convictions?","title_sources":[{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 11, lines 26-50","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 11, lines 26-50"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 23, lines 52-20","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 23, lines 52-20"},{"evidence_type":"Transcript","label":"Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 20-48","official_url":"https://www.supremecourt.gov/oral_arguments/argument_transcripts/2015/15-6418_mlho.pdf","page_label":"file page 3, lines 20-48"}],"topics":[],"undated_disposition_date_fallback":null,"updated_at":"2026-09-05T03:22:24Z"}