Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-2_03-cv-00142/USCOURTS-caed-2_03-cv-00142-30/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 535
Nature of Suit: Habeas Corpus - Death Penalty
Cause of Action: 28:2254 Ptn for Writ of H/C - Stay of Execution

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IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

DANNIE RAY HILLHOUSE, No. CIV S-03-0142-MCE-CMK

Petitioner, DEATH PENALTY CASE

vs. ORDER

ROBERT K. WONG,

Respondent.

 /

Petitioner, a state prisoner proceeding with appointed counsel, seeks a writ of

habeas corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254. Pending before the court is Petitioner’s motion for

an extension of time (Doc. 182) to file an answer to petitioner’s amended petition. Also pending

before the court is Respondent’s motion for relief from default (Doc. 180). No opposition to

either motion has been filed or is expected.

Respondent was one day late in filing his answer. This delay was due to computer

problems counsel experienced in formatting the final draft prior to filing. Good cause appearing

therefor, Respondent’s request is granted, and the answer is deemed timely filed. 

The filing of the answer started the clock for the filing of Petitioner’s traverse, if

any. The court notes that the filing of a traverse is optional, and this court generally finds the

Case 2:03-cv-00142-MCE-DMC Document 183 Filed 08/16/10 Page 1 of 2
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filing of a traverse unnecessary in death penalty habeas cases as the parties file merits briefs in

Phase III. See Rule 5, Fed. R. Governing § 2254 Cases. In addition, the court notes that as far as

it is aware, no funding has been authorized for the filing of a traverse in this matter. Counsel is

therefore cautioned against spending unbudgeted time researching and filing an unnecessary

traverse. However, good cause appearing therefor, Petitioner’s request is granted. Petitioner will

have up to, and including, September 30, 2010, to file a traverse if necessary.

IT IS SO ORDERED. 

DATED: August 13, 2010

______________________________________

CRAIG M. KELLISON

UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE

Case 2:03-cv-00142-MCE-DMC Document 183 Filed 08/16/10 Page 2 of 2