Rutledge v. United States (1995)
- Docket
- 94-8769
- Decided
- 1995-01-01
Summary
Question: Can a criminal be given concurrent life sentences for conspiring to distribute drugs and operating a continuing criminal enterprise? Conclusion: No. In a unanimous decision, announced by Justice John Paul Stevens, the Court ruled one of the two sentences must be dropped. Both of the offenses were based on the same criminal act. Justice Stevens wrote, "A guilty verdict on a (continuing criminal enterprise) charge necessarily includes a finding that the defendant also participated in a conspiracy."