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Burks v. United States

United States Supreme Court

437 U.S. 1 (1978)

Facts

Burks (defendant) was tried for bank robbery in federal court. Burks raised an insanity defense, but the court refused to grant a judgment of acquittal before sending the question to the jury. The jury convicted Burks, and Burks moved the court to grant a new trial on the ground that the evidence against him was inadequate. The trial court denied the motion, and Burks appealed. The court of appeals held that Burks had made a prima facie showing of insanity and that the government did not present sufficient evidence to rebut that showing beyond a reasonable doubt. The appellate court reversed and remanded the case to the district court to decide whether to direct a verdict of acquittal or order a retrial. The United States Supreme Court granted certiorari to consider whether Burks’ retrial is constitutional.

Rule of Law

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Issue

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Holding and Reasoning (Burger, C.J.)

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A "yes" or "no" answer to the question framed in the issue section;
A summary of the majority or plurality opinion, using the CREAC method; and
The procedural disposition (e.g., reversed and remanded, affirmed, etc.).

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