Carr v. United States

Holding: The Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act of 2007 makes it a crime for convicted sex offenders to fail to register with local authorities when they move to a new state. The Court rules that the Act does not apply to sex offenders moved before the Act went into effect.

Judgment: Reversed and remanded, 6-3, in an opinion by Justice Sonia Sotomayor on June 1, 2010. Justice Scalia joined in part, and filed a separate opinion concurring in part and concurring in the judgment. Justice Alito filed a dissenting opinion, joined by Justices Thomas and Ginsburg.

Briefs and Documents

Merits Briefs

• Brief for Petitioner Thomas Carr
• Brief for Respondent United States
• Reply Brief for Petitioner Thomas Carr

Amicus Briefs

• Brief for National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers in Support of Petitioner
• Brief for Law Professors in Support of Petitioner
• Brief for the State of Kansas, et al. in Support of Respondent

Certiorari-stage documents

• Opinion below (7th Circuit)
• Petition for certiorari
• Brief in opposition
• Petitioner's reply