High Court Backs Strong Intent Requirement for Gun Charges (1)

The U.S. Supreme Court June 21 made it harder for the federal government to secure convictions for firearms charges.

The court’s 7-2 decision dealt specifically with undocumented immigrants in possession of a firearm, finding that prosecutors must prove not only that someone knew that they possessed a firearm or ammunition, but also that they knew their immigration status made them ineligible to have the prohibited item.

Requiring a higher showing of culpability helps “separate those who understand the wrongful nature of their act from those who do not,” Justice Stephen Breyer wrote.

He pointed to “Dreamers” as an example—that is, ...