DESCRIPTION FORECASTS CASES DATA MANUSCRIPTS   CONTRIBUTORS

Nguyen v. United States, Phan v. United States March 24, 2003 (01-10873) return to case listing Case Summary Petitioners, residents of Guam, were charged with conspiracy to import methamphetamine, aiding and abetting its import and possession with intent to deliver more than 50 grams of the drug. Petitioners were found guilty and sentenced to more than 50 years in prison. On appeal, Chief Ninth Circuit Judge Schroeder and Senior Ninth Circuit Judge Goodwin traveled to the Northern Mariana Islands to hear the case. They were then joined by U.S. District Judge Munson of the Northern Mariana Islands. This three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit affirmed and held that evidence showing a family relationship between the Petitioners was properly admitted and that the evidence was sufficient to prove their guilt. On appeal to the Supreme Court, Petitioners argue that the Ninth Circuit decision is improper because Judge Munson, unlike Article III Judges Schroeder and Goodwin, is an Article I judge who sits only for limited terms. The opinion of the Ninth Circuit is found at 284 F.3d 1086. To see the opinion of the lower court, click here. PREDICTED OUTCOME ACTUAL OUTCOME Forecasting Model Expert One Expert Two Expert Three 5-4 to Reverse 9-0 to Affirm 6-3 to Affirm n/a 5-4 to Reverse VOTING TO REVERSE Stevens Scalia Souter Ginsburg Breyer Stevens Scalia Thomas Stevens O'Connor Kennedy Souter Thomas VOTING TO AFFIRM Rehnquist O'Connor Kennedy Thomas Rehnquist Stevens O'Connor Scalia Kennedy Souter Thomas Ginsburg Breyer Rehnquist O'Connor Kennedy Souter Ginsburg Breyer Rehnquist Scalia Ginsburg Breyer return to case listing