Holding: Because mandatory minimum sentences increase the penalty for a crime, any fact that increases the mandatory minimum is an “element” of the crime that must be submitted to the jury.
Judgment: Vacated and remanded, 5-4, in an opinion by Justice Thomas on June 17, 2013. Justice Sotomayor filed a concurring opinion in which Justice Ginsburg and Justice Kagan joined. Justice Breyer filed an opinion concurring in part and concurring in the judgment. Chief Justice Roberts filed a dissenting opinion in which Justices Scalia and Kennedy joined. Justice Alito filed a dissenting opinion.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL VERSION OF THIS STORY