Unraveling a Ball of Confusion: Layers of Criminal Intent, Facebook, Rap, and Uncertainty in Elonis v. United States, 135 S. Ct. 2001 (2015)

Authors

Cameron L. Fields, Mississippi College School of Law

Publication Date

Spring 2024

Abstract

“So, round and around and around we go. Where the world's heading nobody knows...Just a ball of confusion."

Elonis v. United States was a much-awaited case needed to clarify many questions within its realm. Part of the case's allure was its facts: threats, rap, and Facebook. While the alluring circumstances were well-presented, the potential for clarification was not realized. As the quotes from the various opinions above suggest, a song from the oldies had hinted at this ruling correctly when its lyrics said it's "just a ball of confusion." This Note seeks to unravel this ball of confusion to give, as one Justice urged, some certainty and direction for future courts and ordinary Facebook users.

Recommended Citation

Fields, Cameron L. (2024) "Unraveling a Ball of Confusion: Layers of Criminal Intent, Facebook, Rap, and Uncertainty in Elonis v. United States, 135 S. Ct. 2001 (2015)," Mississippi College Law Review: Vol. 36: Iss. 1, Article 8.
Available at: https://dc.law.mc.edu/lawreview/vol36/iss1/8