This case presents the Supreme Court with an opportunity to settle a circuit split over the interpretation of § 2259, a federal statute that addresses restitution for child-abuse victims. Paroline argues that § 2259 requires that a victim’s damages be proximately caused by the defendant’s conduct because any other result would turn restitution proceedings into procedural nightmares. Amy argues that § 2259 does not require proximate causation for a victim to be entitled to full damages; otherwise, the victims of child abuse would bear the burden of collecting tiny shares of restitution that might prevent full recovery. The Supreme Court’s decision will have major implications for those found guilty of possessing child pornography and may force such individuals to seek contribution payments from other convicted offenders in the absence of proximate cause.
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