Castillo v. United States

Summary

The Court held that under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)(1), statutory references to specific firearm types like a 'machinegun' define a separate offense rather than a sentencing factor. Consequently, these elements must be found by a jury beyond a reasonable doubt. The Court reversed the Court of Appeals decision that allowed a judge to make these findings. Justice Scalia joins the opinion except as to one point.