October Term 2001 · Docket 00-9285
Does a lawyer conflict require proof of harm?
the sides that brought the case argue a conflict requires proof of harm. the opposing sides argue the Sixth Amendment is violated by the conflict itself.
Verified source milestones
- — An official oral-argument transcript was verified.
- — An official oral-argument transcript was verified.
The arguments, in order
This case may have been argued more than once. Each entry below uses that session's official transcript. Later arguments do not erase earlier ones.
Argument 1 ·
What happened at the argument
Mr. Wagner argued the opposing side relies on Holloway.
Mr. Wagner stated Holloway presumes prejudice in specific scenarios.
Mr. Gornstein argued the Sixth Amendment requires showing actual conflict.
Mr. Gornstein stated adverse effect on performance is necessary for a violation.
Read the official transcript for this argument · Official argument details
Sources used for this argument breakdown
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 28, lines 49-29 — Transcript, file page 28, lines 49-29
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 17-15 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 17-15
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 5-15 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 5-15
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 47, lines 29-9 — Transcript, file page 47, lines 29-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 50, lines 7-43 — Transcript, file page 50, lines 7-43
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 55, lines 37-41 — Transcript, file page 55, lines 37-41
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 56, lines 43-45 — Transcript, file page 56, lines 43-45
A citizen's guide to the whole case
What this case is about
This case tests the standard for ineffective assistance claims. It asks if a lawyer conflict requires proof of harm.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 28, lines 49-29 — Transcript, file page 28, lines 49-29
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 17-15 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 17-15
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 47, lines 29-9 — Transcript, file page 47, lines 29-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 50, lines 7-43 — Transcript, file page 50, lines 7-43
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 55, lines 37-41 — Transcript, file page 55, lines 37-41
How the case got here
The Supreme Court heard oral argument in this case on November 5, 2001.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 5-15 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 5-15
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 56, lines 43-45 — Transcript, file page 56, lines 43-45
What each side wants
the sides that brought the case want the Court to require proof of harm.
the opposing sides want the Court to presume harm from the conflict.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 28, lines 49-29 — Transcript, file page 28, lines 49-29
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 17-15 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 17-15
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 47, lines 29-9 — Transcript, file page 47, lines 29-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 50, lines 7-43 — Transcript, file page 50, lines 7-43
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 55, lines 37-41 — Transcript, file page 55, lines 37-41
What each side says
the sides that brought the case argue the Sixth Amendment requires showing actual conflict and adverse effect.
the opposing sides argue Holloway presumes prejudice when a court compels conflicted representation.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 28, lines 49-29 — Transcript, file page 28, lines 49-29
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 17-15 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 17-15
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 47, lines 29-9 — Transcript, file page 47, lines 29-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 50, lines 7-43 — Transcript, file page 50, lines 7-43
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 55, lines 37-41 — Transcript, file page 55, lines 37-41
What the justices asked
Chief Justice Rehnquist asked if the case is submitted.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 56, lines 43-45 — Transcript, file page 56, lines 43-45
Why it matters
This standard defines when a lawyer conflict violates constitutional rights. It determines the burden of proof for criminal defendants.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 28, lines 49-29 — Transcript, file page 28, lines 49-29
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 17-15 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 17-15
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 47, lines 29-9 — Transcript, file page 47, lines 29-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 50, lines 7-43 — Transcript, file page 50, lines 7-43
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 55, lines 37-41 — Transcript, file page 55, lines 37-41
What happens next
This article currently covers the argument record. Use the official docket link for later case activity.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 5-15 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 5-15
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 56, lines 43-45 — Transcript, file page 56, lines 43-45
Official Court provenance
Official docket and case history · Official Supreme Court oral-argument detail page
Title and summary sources
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 28, lines 49-29 — Transcript, file page 28, lines 49-29
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 17-15 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 17-15
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 47, lines 29-9 — Transcript, file page 47, lines 29-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 50, lines 7-43 — Transcript, file page 50, lines 7-43
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 55, lines 37-41 — Transcript, file page 55, lines 37-41
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 28, lines 49-29 — Transcript, file page 28, lines 49-29
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 17-15 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 17-15
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 47, lines 29-9 — Transcript, file page 47, lines 29-9
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 50, lines 7-43 — Transcript, file page 50, lines 7-43
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 55, lines 37-41 — Transcript, file page 55, lines 37-41
Revision history
- Revision 1 · Official Transcript ·
Correction: Rewritten to the concise citizen-facing editorial standard.
- Revision 2 · Official Transcript ·
Correction: Migrated to the dated official Court activity contract without model use.