Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-caed-1_97-cv-06210/USCOURTS-caed-1_97-cv-06210-17/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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97dp06210.OReProcedure2DetermineCompentence2.hlt.wpd 1

UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

EASTERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

JOHN LEE HOLT, )

)

Petitioner, )

)

vs. )

)

ROBERT L. AYERS, JR., As Warden )

of San Quentin State Prison, )

)

 Respondent. )

Case No. 1:97-CV-06210-AWI

SECOND ORDER RE: PROCEDURE TO

DETERMINE PETITIONER’S

COMPETENCE TO PROCEED WITH

LITIGATION

HEARING DATE: September 11, 2008

 VACATED

This matter is before the Court on the August 27, 2008 Joint Submission by Petitioner John Lee

Holt (“Holt”) and Respondent Robert L. Ayers, Jr., as Warden of San Quentin State Prison (the

“Warden”). In the Joint Submission, the parties have agreed on a procedure to determine Holt’s

competence to proceed with this litigation. The terms of the parties’ agreement are presented in their

August 27, 2008 Joint Submission.

The salient points of the agreement are that an examination of Holt shall be undertaken by

psychiatrist Roderick Ponath, M.D., who is on the medical staff at San Quentin State Prison. Dr. Ponath

shall examine Holt to determine whether he has the capacity to appreciate his position, make rational

choices with respect to proceedings in this Court, and to communicate rationallywith counsel regarding

the proceedings, or whether he is suffering from a mental disease, disorder or defect affecting his

capacity. See Rees v. Peyton, 384 U.S. 312, 314 (1966); Rohan ex rel. Gates v. Woodford, 334 F.3d

803,819 (9th Cir. 2003). Dr. Ponath may conduct whatever examination he deems necessary, in his

professional judgment, to resolve this inquiry. He will then provide a report of his findings to the Court

within 60 days from the filing of this order. Holt will have 30 days from the filing of Dr. Ponath’s report

to file and serve briefing responsive to the report. The Warden will have 30 days after the filing of

Case 1:97-cv-06210-KES Document 191 Filed 09/02/08 Page 1 of 2
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97dp06210.OReProcedure2DetermineCompentence2.hlt.wpd 2

Holt’s brief to file and serve his briefing. Holt may file a reply, if he so chooses, within 14 days from

the filing of the Warden’s brief. The parties also have agreed upon the language of a protective order

they wish to have the Court enter.

In light of the parties’ agreement on a procedure for determining Holt’s competence to proceed

with this litigation, the Court’s August 15, 2008 order is vacated to the extent it requires the parties to

file separate response on or before September 5, 2008. The telephonic hearing on September 11, 2008

at 8:30 a.m. also is vacated. The parties are, however, directed to submit a proposed stipulated order

outlining the scope and extent of the protective order pertaining to the anticipated competence

examination.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: September 2, 2008 

 /s/ Anthony W. Ishii 

 Anthony W. Ishii

United States District Judge

Case 1:97-cv-06210-KES Document 191 Filed 09/02/08 Page 2 of 2