2014 Case: Causation Standard for Sentencing Enhancements under § 841(b)(1)(C)
The 2014 ruling established a "but-for" causation standard for applying sentencing enhancements under § 841(b)(1)(C). This necessitates a direct causal link between the specific drug and the resulting death; mere contribution to the death is insufficient to trigger the enhancement.
2014 Case: Causation Standard for § 841(b)(1)(C) Enhancements
The 2014 ruling established a "but-for" causation standard for applying sentencing enhancements under § 841(b)(1)(C). This means the specific drug in question must be the sole reason for the death; mere contribution to the death is insufficient to trigger the enhancement.
Summary
In a 2014 ruling, the court decided that to increase a sentence under § 841(b)(1)(C), the specific drug involved must be the direct cause of death. It's not enough that the drug was simply one factor that contributed to the death.
Summary
In a 2014 court case, judges decided that to add extra punishment under a specific law (section 841(b)(1)(C)), the drug itself must be the main reason someone died. It's not enough if the drug just played a part.