Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-azd-2_99-cv-02016/USCOURTS-azd-2_99-cv-02016-16/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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WO

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE DISTRICT OF ARIZONA

Ernest Valencia Gonzales, 

Petitioner, 

vs.

Dora B. Schriro, et al., 

Respondents. 

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No. CV-99-2016-PHX-SMM

DEATH PENALTY CASE

ORDER

On May 4, 2007, this Court ordered that Petitioner be transported to the Arizona State

Hospital (“ASH”) for the purpose of assessing his mental competence to assist habeas

counsel pursuant to Rohan ex rel Gates v. Woodford, 334 F.3d 803 (9th Cir. 2003). (Dkt.

147.) On October 10, 2007, Dr. James Seward, on behalf of ASH, notified the Court that,

absent administration of antipsychotic medications, Petitioner is unable to communicate

rationally with his habeas counsel. (Dkt. 160.)

In its May 2007 Order, the Court further indicated that if Petitioner is not capable of

communicating rationally, he shall remain at ASH to receive competency restoration

treatment. (Dkt. 147 at 3.) However, Petitioner has informed ASH staff that he will not

voluntarily take the antipsychotic, anxiety, depression, and sleep medications prescribed by

treating physicians. Consequently, at the October 15, 2007 status hearing, the parties had

Case 2:99-cv-02016-SMM Document 164 Filed 10/22/07 Page 1 of 3
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preliminary discussions regarding the propriety of involuntarily administering medications

to restore Petitioner’s competency to assist habeas counsel and continue litigation in these

habeas proceedings. Recognizing that Petitioner’s decision to refuse medication may not be

definitive, the Court agreed to hold a hearing on November 26, 2007, to question Petitioner

directly on this issue. In preparation for this hearing and pursuant to Rule 6 of the Rules

Governing Section 2254 Cases, the Court finds good cause for discovery of all notes and

other data compiled and entered by ASH staff since Petitioner was transferred to ASH in

May 2007. 

To assist the Court in determining the appropriate course of action in the event

Petitioner maintains his refusal to voluntarily take antipsychotic medications, the parties shall

file briefs addressing whether and under what conditions this Court has the authority to order

that Petitioner be forcibly medicated for the purpose of restoring his competency to

communicate rationally with counsel.

Based on the foregoing,

IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that Respondents shall obtain from the Custodian of

Records at the Arizona State Hospital a copy of all notes and other data compiled and entered

by hospital staff regarding Petitioner since his transfer to the facility in May 2007 and shall

provide a copy of these materials to both Petitioner’s counsel and this Court as soon as is

practicable but not later than November 2, 2007.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that a hearing will be held on November 26, 2007,

at 10:00 a.m. in Courtroom 605 of the Sandra Day O’Connor United States Courthouse.

Respondents shall make all arrangements and provide to the Court any proposed orders

necessary to have Petitioner present at the hearing.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that no later than November 19, 2007, the parties

shall each file a brief, not in excess of twenty (20) pages, addressing whether and under what

conditions this Court has the authority to order that Petitioner be forcibly medicated for the

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purpose of restoring his competency to communicate rationally with habeas counsel.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that the Clerk of Court shall provide a copy of this

Order to Catherine Plumb, Assistant Arizona Attorney General, 1275 West Washington

Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85007.

DATED this 22nd day of October, 2007.

Case 2:99-cv-02016-SMM Document 164 Filed 10/22/07 Page 3 of 3