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Smith v. Arizona

United States Supreme Court
144 S. Ct. 1785 (2024)

Written by Nathan Benedict, JD

Facts

Jason Smith was charged with possession of illegal drugs. Elizabeth Rast, a crime-lab analyst, tested the items found in his possession. She made notes and signed a report concluding that the items she tested were methamphetamine and cannabis. Shortly before Smith’s trial, Rast left her job. The prosecution called a different analyst, Greggory Longoni, as an expert witness at trial. Longoni did not test any of the items but rather testified based entirely on his review of Rast’s report and notes. Longoni offered his expert opinion that the items were methamphetamine and cannabis. Smith was convicted and appealed. His convictions were affirmed on appeal, and he sought review by the United States Supreme Court.

Rule of Law

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Issue

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Holding and Reasoning (Kagan, 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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Concurrence (Thomas, J.)

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Concurrence (Gorsuch, J.)

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Concurrence (Alito, J.)

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