Robert Lee Shields v. United States
JusticiabilityDoctri
When the evidence in a drug distribution case demonstrates only two sales, what additional factors support an inference of a drug distribution conspiracy, rather than a buyer-seller relationship?
QUESTIONS PRESENTED L. When the evidence in a drug distribution case demonstrates only two sales, what additional factors support an inference of a drug distribution conspiracy, rather than a buyer-seller relationship? I. Where there is only evidence of a buyer-seller relationship in a drug transaction, as opposed to a conspiracy to distribute narcotics, must a defendant’s convictions on substantive drug distribution counts be reversed when the trial court gave jury instructions permitting Pinkerton coconspirator liability on those substantive counts? 2