Smith v. Arizona (2024)

Smith v. Arizona was a SCOTUS in the Classroom case. It was decided on June 21, 2024.

This case decided whether the Confrontation Clause of the Sixth Amendment is satisfied when an expert forensic witness provides opinion testimony that is based in part on data from laboratory tests performed by a forensic expert who is not testifying.

Each term Street Law selects the most classroom-relevant, student-friendly cases as our SCOTUS in the Classroom cases. Teachers are encouraged to conduct moot courts the same week the case is argued, giving students the opportunity to follow discussion and analysis in the news and listen to or read a transcript of the actual oral arguments.

Case Issue:

• Is the Confrontation Clause of the Sixth Amendment satisfied when an expert witness provides opinion testimony that is based in part on data from laboratory tests performed by someone who is not testifying?

Case Briefs:

• Brief of Petitioner: Jason Smith
• Brief of Respondents: State of Arizona

Oral Argument:

• Link to audio recording and transcript of the oral argument from the Supreme Court

Decision:

• Link to the opinion of the Court

News Articles and Resources:

• Cronkite News: “Supreme Court to hear appeal over expert testimony in Yuma drug case” (October 2, 2023)
• Arizona Republic: “An Arizona drug case related to the 6^th Amendment is headed to Supreme Court” (October 25, 2023)
• Arizona State Law Journal: “Smith v. Arizona: Yuma Case Sets Stage for Long-awaited Review of the Confrontation Clause” (November 23, 2023)