United States v. Armstrong

Definition

United States v. Armstrong is a significant Supreme Court case from 1996 that addressed the issue of selective prosecution and equal protection under the law. The case involved defendants claiming that they were unfairly prosecuted based on their race, highlighting the critical balance between prosecutorial discretion and the constitutional guarantee of equal treatment under the law. This ruling emphasized the necessity of showing discriminatory intent in claims of selective prosecution, reinforcing the importance of equal protection principles in judicial processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The case arose when two defendants argued they were selectively prosecuted for drug offenses, claiming that white defendants were treated more leniently by federal prosecutors.
2. The Supreme Court held that to succeed in a claim of selective prosecution, a defendant must provide clear evidence of discriminatory intent, not just prove statistical disparities.
3. This ruling underscored the broad discretion that prosecutors have in deciding whom to charge, while also requiring accountability for any discriminatory practices.
4. The decision reinforced that claims of selective prosecution must be based on substantial evidence, setting a high bar for defendants alleging racial discrimination.
5. United States v. Armstrong remains a pivotal case in discussions around equal protection, influencing how courts evaluate claims of discriminatory prosecutorial practices.

Review Questions

• How does United States v. Armstrong illustrate the relationship between prosecutorial discretion and equal protection under the law?
  • United States v. Armstrong highlights the tension between prosecutorial discretion and the principles of equal protection by addressing claims of selective prosecution. The Supreme Court's ruling emphasized that while prosecutors have significant leeway in deciding who to charge, this discretion must not lead to discriminatory practices against specific racial groups. The requirement for defendants to prove discriminatory intent showcases how the judicial system aims to balance these competing interests, ensuring that all individuals are treated equally under the law.
• What implications did the Armstrong decision have on future cases involving claims of selective prosecution?
  • The Armstrong decision set a precedent that has influenced how future cases involving selective prosecution are approached. It established a higher burden for defendants seeking to prove claims of discrimination, necessitating concrete evidence of discriminatory intent rather than relying on statistical disparities alone. This has led courts to scrutinize claims more rigorously and reinforced the idea that prosecutors must be held accountable for their decisions while still allowing them the necessary discretion to perform their duties.
• Evaluate how United States v. Armstrong contributes to our understanding of constitutional protections against discrimination within the legal system.
  • United States v. Armstrong significantly contributes to our understanding of constitutional protections against discrimination by illustrating the complexities involved in proving unequal treatment under the law. The case emphasizes that while equal protection is a fundamental right, its enforcement is contingent upon demonstrating clear evidence of discriminatory intent, thus posing challenges for marginalized groups seeking justice. This ruling has broader implications for how discrimination is addressed within the legal system, shaping not only prosecutorial conduct but also influencing public perceptions of fairness and equity in law enforcement.

Related terms

Selective Prosecution: A legal doctrine that prohibits the government from prosecuting individuals based on arbitrary factors such as race or ethnicity, which could violate the equal protection clause.

Equal Protection Clause: A provision of the Fourteenth Amendment that mandates individuals in similar situations be treated equally by the law.

Discriminatory Intent: The requirement to prove that a decision was made with the intention to discriminate against a particular group, essential for establishing claims of unequal treatment under the law.