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Robinson v. California
The Supreme Court ruled California's law criminalizing drug addiction unconstitutional. The Court held the law punished a person's status, not their actions.
Linder v. United States
The Supreme Court overturned a doctor's drug conviction, ruling that good-faith medical care for addiction is outside federal control.
United States v. Behrman
The Court ruled that prescribing morphine to an addict violated the Harrison Narcotics Act. This act made such conduct punishable without requiring proof of criminal intent.
Webb v. United States
The Supreme Court ruled physicians could not prescribe narcotics solely to maintain addiction, only as part of a cure. This led to prosecutions of doctors for maintenance prescriptions.
United States v. Doremus
The Supreme Court upheld Congress's power to regulate opioid distribution through the Harrison Narcotics Act, despite arguments about states' rights.
Anderson v. Benton County
The court allowed a jail inmate's lawsuit to proceed, claiming officials deliberately denied his prescribed methadone. He alleged this violated his Eighth Amendment rights.
State v. Gee
The court upheld convictions for rape, sodomy, kidnapping, and robbery. Gee's statements about cocaine use were admissible as evidence to show motive and intent.
P.G. v. Jefferson County
The court ruled jails must provide prescribed methadone to pretrial detainees, finding likely ADA and and due process violations. The case resulted in over $161K in attorney’s fees.
Addington v. Texas
The Supreme Court ruled in 1979 that involuntary commitment requires clear evidence of danger to self or others. This balances personal freedom with public safety concerns.
Olmstead v. L.C.
The Court ruled that unjust institutionalization of disabled individuals, including those with substance use disorders, violates their rights. It mandated more community-based treatment options.
O’Connor v. Donaldson
The Court ruled it unconstitutional to involuntarily commit non-dangerous individuals capable of self-care. This principle applies to debates on addiction confinement.
Kortlever v. Whatcom County
The court approved a settlement requiring jails to provide medication for opioid use disorder (MMOUD). Denying it likely violated disability and cruel and unusual punishment protections.
Jacobson v. United States
The Court held that entrapment requires the government to prove the defendant was already willing to commit the crime, not merely offered an opportunity.
United States v. Russell
The Court upheld a drug conviction where a DEA agent supplied a precursor chemical. The defendant's existing intent to commit the crime was the deciding factor.
Conant v. Walters
Physicians can discuss and recommend medical marijuana to qualified patients under the First Amendment, without federal interference, the Ninth Circuit ruled.