Justices to Weigh Factors Relevant to Compassionate Release

The US Supreme Court agreed to decide whether judges have near complete discretion in considering what factors are relevant to inmate requests for compassionate release.

In the case granted Tuesday, a lower federal court held that judges can’t consider certain factors in determining compassionate release when those factors could also provide a basis for alternative release.

In Fernandez v. United States, the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit said judges can’t consider Joe Fernandez’ potential innocence in reducing his sentence because that could only be achieved through a habeas proceeding or direct appeal of the conviction. Fernandez ...