October Term 2002 · Docket 01-1127
Does a 15-year sentence for petty theft violate the Eighth Amendment?
California seeks to uphold a 15-year prison term for minor theft. The defendant argues this punishment is grossly disproportionate.
Verified source milestones
- — 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. Danzig argued the Ninth Circuit erred in applying habeas review principles.
Mr. Chemerinsky argued the sentence violates established Eighth Amendment limits.
Chief Justice Rehnquist called the case and noted it was submitted.
Read the official transcript for this argument · Official argument details
Sources used for this argument breakdown
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 25, lines 11-33 — Transcript, file page 25, lines 11-33
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 15-17 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 15-17
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 5-13 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 5-13
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 54, lines 27-31 — Transcript, file page 54, lines 27-31
A citizen's guide to the whole case
What this case is about
The dispute centers on whether a specific prison sentence violates constitutional limits on punishment.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 25, lines 11-33 — Transcript, file page 25, lines 11-33
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 15-17 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 15-17
How the case got here
The Supreme Court heard oral argument in this case on November 5, 2002.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 5-13 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 5-13
What each side wants
The state wants the Supreme Court to reverse the Ninth Circuit decision.
The defendant wants the Supreme Court to uphold the Ninth Circuit decision.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 25, lines 11-33 — Transcript, file page 25, lines 11-33
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 15-17 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 15-17
What each side says
The state argues the Ninth Circuit failed to properly apply habeas review principles.
The defendant argues the sentence violates a century of Eighth Amendment precedent.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 25, lines 11-33 — Transcript, file page 25, lines 11-33
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 15-17 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 15-17
What the justices asked
Chief Justice Rehnquist noted the case was submitted at 12:10 p.m.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 54, lines 27-31 — Transcript, file page 54, lines 27-31
Why it matters
This case defines the constitutional boundary for prison sentences in minor theft cases. It determines whether states can impose lengthy terms for small crimes. The outcome shapes future sentencing standards nationwide.
Official sources for this section
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 25, lines 11-33 — Transcript, file page 25, lines 11-33
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 15-17 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 15-17
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 5-13 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 5-13
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 54, lines 27-31 — Transcript, file page 54, lines 27-31
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 25, lines 11-33 — Transcript, file page 25, lines 11-33
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 15-17 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 15-17
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 25, lines 11-33 — Transcript, file page 25, lines 11-33
- Official Supreme Court Transcript — file page 3, lines 15-17 — Transcript, file page 3, lines 15-17
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.