Document: 539 U.S. 510 WIGGINSv.SMITH, WARDEN, et al. No. 02-311. Supreme Court of United States. Argued March 24, 2003. Decided June 26, In 1989, petitioner Wiggins was convicted capital murder by a Maryland judge and subsequently elected to be sentenced jury. His public defenders, Schlaich Nethercott, moved bifurcate the sentencing, representing that they planned prove did not kill victim his own hand then, if necessary, present mitigation case. The court denied motion. At Nethercott told jury in her opening statement would hear, among other things, about Wiggins' difficult life, but such evidence never introduced. Before closing arguments outside presence jury, made proffer preserve bifurcation issue for appeal, detailing case counsel have presented. mentioned life history or family background. death, Appeals affirmed. Represented new counsel, sought postconviction relief, arguing trial had rendered ineffective assistance failing investigate mitigating dysfunctional He presented expert testimony forensic social worker severe physical sexual abuse he suffered at hands mother while under care series foster parents. testified remember retaining prepare before even though state funds were available purpose, explained decided focus on retrying factual disputing direct responsibility murder. petition, State affirmed, concluding reasoned choice proceed with what considered their best defense. Subsequently, Federal District granted relief federal habeas holding courts' rejection claim involved an unreasonable application clearly established law. reversing, Fourth Circuit found counsel's strategic decision reasonable. Held: performance attorneys sentencing violated Sixth Amendment right effective counsel. Pp. 519-538. (a) A writ can only "was contrary to, of, established" precedents this Court. 28 U. S. C. § 2254(d)(1). This "unreasonable application" prong permits when identifies correct governing legal principle unreasonably applies it facts petitioner's Williams v. Taylor, 529 362, 413. For standard satisfied, must been "objectively unreasonable," id., 409, just incorrect erroneous. An has two components: show deficient, deficiency prejudiced Strickland Washington, 466 668, 687. Performance is deficient falls below objective reasonableness, which defined terms prevailing professional norms. Id., 688. Here, as Strickland, limited investigation into background reflected tactical judgment pursue alternative strategy instead. evaluating claim, Court's principal concern whether should case, supporting introduce itself thus conducts review performance, measured reasonableness norms, including context-dependent consideration challenged conduct seen from perspective time conduct. 688, 689. 519-523. (b) Counsel reasonable investigation. Their expand beyond presentence (PSI) report Baltimore City Department Social Services (DSS) records fell short standards 1989. Standard practice cases included preparation report. Although there retain worker, chose commission similarly American Bar Association's defense work standards. Moreover, light discovered DSS concerning alcoholic problems care, cease investigating unreasonable. Any reasonably competent attorney realized pursuing leads necessary making informed possible defenses, particularly given apparent absence aggravating factors Indeed, no suggest counterproductive further fruitless, distinguishing investigations record proceedings underscores unreasonableness suggesting failure thoroughly stemmed inattention, judgment. Until motion, every reason develop most powerful possible. During process itself, exclusively murder; rather put halfhearted Appeals' assumption adequate Strickland. deferring conceivable despite fact based alleged inadequate investigation, applied And court's conclusion services revealed incidences abuse, not, reflects "an determination proceeding," 2254(d)(2). Contrary State's States' contention, whole does support conducted more thorough than one describes. Ultimately, mean requires line matter how unlikely effort assist defendant sentencing. Nor require Rather, much "strategic choices after less complete are reasonable" extent "reasonable judgments limitations investigation." supra, 690-691. 523-534. (c) Counsel's failures To establish prejudice, probability that, unprofessional errors, proceeding's result different. 694. assesses prejudice reweighing against totality adduced both proceedings. 397-398. failed discover here powerful. experienced privation custody alcoholic, absentee torment, molestation, repeated rape care. spent homeless diminished mental capacities augment kind troubled relevant assessing defendant's moral culpability. Penry Lynaugh, 492 302, 319. Given nature attorney, aware history, introduced confronted returned different sentence. significant factor heard prior convictions. Had able place excruciating side scale, least juror struck balance. violent could offset narrative. Thus, evidence, taken whole, might well influenced jury's appraisal 534-538. 288 F. 3d 629, reversed remanded. O'CONNOR, J., delivered opinion Court, REHNQUIST, STEVENS, KENNEDY, SOUTER, GINSBURG, BREYER, JJ., joined. SCALIA, filed dissenting opinion, THOMAS, joined, post, p. 538. 1 CERTIORARI TO THE UNITED STATES COURT OF APPEALS FOR FOURTH CIRCUIT. 2 Donald B. Verrilli, Jr., argued cause petitioner. With him briefs Ian Heath Gershengorn Lara M. Flint. 3 Gary E. Bair, Solicitor General Maryland, respondents. brief J. Joseph Curran, Attorney General, Kathryn Grill Graeff Ann N. Bosse, Assistant Attorneys General. 4 Dan Himmelfarb States amicus curiae urging affirmance. Olson, Chertoff, Deputy Dreeben, Robert Erickson.* 5 JUSTICE O'CONNOR 6 Petitioner, Kevin Wiggins, argues attorneys' unfortunate we consider erred upholding claim. 7 * 8 On September 17, 1988, police 77-year-old Florence Lacs drowned bathtub ransacked apartment Woodlawn, Maryland. State, 352 Md. 580, 585, 724 A. 2d 1, (1999). indicted crime October 20, later notice intention seek death penalty. Two County Carl Michelle assumed July tried Ibid. August 4, 4-day trial, guilty first-degree murder, robbery, counts theft. App. 32. 9 After conviction, scheduled begin 11, motion hopes presenting phases. 34. intended first act "principal degree," ibid.—i. e., hand. See Ann. Code, Art. 27, 413 (1996) (requiring proof eligibility). then intended, memorandum enable them each its light; separating prevent introduction diluting directly responsible 36-42, 37. 10 12, commenced immediately thereafter. statement, jurors hear someone actually killed Lacs. 70-71. instruct weigh clean She concluded: "`You're going life. It easy him. But he's worked. He's productive citizen, reached age 27 convictions crimes violence convictions, period.. . I think that's important thing you consider.'" 72. themselves, however, history. 11 arguments, court, appeal. detailed psychological reports demonstrating intellectual childlike emotional hand, aggressive patterns behavior, capacity empathy, desire function world other. 349-351. point any 18, instructed task it, afternoon, sentence death. 409-410. divided 324 551, 597 1359 (1991), cert. denied, 503 1007 (1992). B 12 1993, adequacy representation constitutionally defective Pet. Cert. 132a. Hans Selvog, licensed certified court. 419. Selvog elaborate prepared containing Relying services, medical, school records, interviews numerous members, chronicled bleak 163a. 13 According Selvog's report, mother, chronic frequently left siblings home alone days, forcing beg food eat paint chips garbage. 166a-167a. Mrs. abusive behavior beating children breaking kitchen, she often kept locked. sex men slept same bed and, occasion, forced hot stove burner—an incident led hospitalization. 167a-171a. six, placed Petitioner's second mothers abused physically, 175a-176a, father repeatedly molested raped 176a-179a. 16, ran away began living streets. intermittently additional homes, mother's sons allegedly gang-raped occasion. 190a. leaving system, entered Job Corps program sexually supervisor. 192a. 14 proceedings, purpose. 487-488. advance efforts "`retry[ing] case'" 485-486. April 1994, close observed bench compiled defendant, explaining, "`[n]ot do see got, me absolute error. just—I flabbergasted said anything else.'" 605. 1997, petition relief. concluded "when tactics, counsel." 155a-156a. 15 affirmed denial "a deliberate, concentrate convincing jury" appellant Md., 608, 2d, 15. knew childhood. They Division Parole Probation, required law, 41, 4-609(d) (1988), "more service recorded placements borderline retardation." 608-609, acknowledged neither nor graphic elaborated emphasized "counsel appellant's background." 610, 16 (emphasis original). uncontested factor—Wiggins' lack convictions—would attempt disprove fail. As result, concluded, "made thought defense." 611-612, 17. C 2001, corpus "involved law." Corcoran, 164 Supp. 538, 557 (2001) (citing 362 (2000)). rejected "tactical" "`retry guilt,'" reasonable, "based upon information conducting 558. some aspects background, knowledge excuse duty make "fully deliberate decision" fact, triggered obligation look further. 559. 17 Reviewing de novo, reversed, responsibility. 639-640 (2002). contrasted potential Williams, 3d, 640, details childhood PSI 641. likely "would resulted sordid surfacing," agreed avenues sufficient choice" challenge 641-642. conflicting medical respect unexplained scene supported strategy. 18 We certiorari, 537 1027 (2002), now reverse. II 19 Petitioner renews contention amendments 2254, enacted part Antiterrorism Effective Death Penalty Act 1996 (AEDPA), circumscribe our us limit analysis law "clearly decision. Section 2254 provides: 20 "(d) behalf person pursuant shall adjudicated merits unless adjudication claim— 21 "(1) determined States; 22 "(2) proceeding." 23 clear 2254(d)(1) "grant decisions facts" 413; also Bell Cone, 535 685, 694 words, may grant misapplied "governing principle" set those announced." Lockyer Andrade, 538 63, 76 (2003) 407). order find precedent "unreasonable," Lockyer, 75. unreasonable." S., 409. 24 principles govern claims 668 (1984). demonstrate "fell reasonableness." declined articulate specific guidelines appropriate instead "[t]he proper measure remains simply norms." 25 stems scope evidence. 673. justify reflecting rejecting respondent's deference owed judgments: 26 "[S]trategic plausible options virtually unchallengeable; precisely makes particular unnecessary. ineffectiveness assessed all circumstances, applying heavy judgments." Our Taylor illustrative these finding Williams' meritorious, uncover voluminous justified voluntary confessions, because "fulfill[ed] 396 ABA Standards Criminal Justice 4-4.1, commentary, 4-55 (2d ed. 1980)). While yet cf. 542 (Scalia, dissenting), review. dissent's 543, therefore resolving 390 (noting "are squarely governed Strickland"); 395 correctly components proceeding discuss violation Strickland's prong). highlighting investigate, referring guides, apply today. Cf. 690-691 (establishing "thorough investigation[s]" "virtually unchallengeable" underscoring investigations"); 688-689 ("Prevailing norms Association like.. guides determining reasonable"). standards, deciding exercised judgmen[t]," 691, 415 (O'Connor, concurring) "requisite, diligent" client's background). "reasonableness norms," includes "from time," 689 ("[E]very [must] eliminate distorting effects hindsight"). 29 demonstrates drew three sources. 490-491. arranged William Stejskal, psychologist, number tests Stejskal IQ 79, difficulty coping demanding situations, exhibited features personality disorder. 44-45, These nothing, Tr. Oral Arg. 24-25. 30 written PSI, one-page account "personal history" noting "misery youth," quoting description "`disgusting,'" observing 20-21. "tracked down" documenting various system. 490; Lodging Petitioner. describing referred sources information. 640-641; 31 prevailed acknowledged, 488. Despite Public Defender's office retention 487. articulated (ABA)—standards long "guides reasonable." 688; 396. Guidelines provide "should comprise rebut prosecutor." Appointment Cases 11.4.1(C), 93 (1989) added). well-defined abandoned having acquired rudimentary narrow 11.8.6, 133 topics educational employment training adult juvenile correctional experience, religious cultural influences added)); 1982) ("The lawyer substantial role perform raising prosecutor initially Investigation essential fulfillment functions"). 32 records. several facts: alcoholic; shuttled displayed difficulties there; frequent, lengthy absences school; days without food. 54-95, 126, 131-136, 140, 147, 159-176. emphasized, uncovered right, counterproductive, fruitless; distinguishable See, e. g., 699 (concluding "reasonably surmise character little help"); Burger Kemp, 483 776, 794 (1987) interviewed witnesses brought attention, discovering helpful harmful); Darden Wainwright, 477 168, 186 (1986) engaged extensive hearing jail). investigated further, during 33 actual sought, until day bifurcated retrial guilt stage. 515. eve represented come forward 45, event bifurcate. possibility 34 What more, introducing 70-71, entreated "is done," "who [he] is." 70. Though "hear life," 72, followed up suggestion time, called criminologist testify inmates serving sentences tend adjust refrain prison—testimony bearing committed 311-312. Far focusing responsibility, taking type "`shotgun'" approach avoid. 609, When viewed light, courts respondents invoke pursuit resembles post hoc rationalization accurate deliberations 35 appears background—the records—they position kind). attorney's quantum already known lead Even assuming reasons, cursory automatically justifies reviewing 691. 36 objectively "did meet minimum profession," assessment obtaining demonstrated 16. merely adequate. revealed, abandon juncture, fully impossible. adequate, ibid., subsequent "to defense," 37 Additionally, conclusion, part, error—that "social abuse." concede, contain mention molestations rapes Brief Respondents 22; Amicus Curiae 26; 175a-179a, documented instances shown "clear evidence," 2254(e)(1), partial reliance erroneous highlights 38 dissent insists tied, 2254(d), "by determinations `did [Wiggins'] background,'" 550. clear, met precedent. learned major aspect i. requirements 2254(d) pose bar granting 39 contend described. explain, follows Schlaich's post-conviction suffered, hand-burning incident. amicus, claimed coupled "other people's reports," 490-491, suggests extended 31-36; 26-27, n. 4; 35. asked reveal source knowledge" abuse. 4. 40 considering reading record, note preliminarily ended satisfy requirement. assumed, erroneously, cited Respondents' interpretation 41 apparently dispute consisted constituted 543-544. Of necessity, primary decide looked defer 2254(e)(1). 544-551. dissent, course, 2254(e) finding. 42 bases statements "`[c]ounsel childhood,'" "`counsel background.'" 540, 545 (quoting 15, 16). speaks itself. explained: "Counsel Mr. pre-sentence records." construction understanding mentions. so implies "incidences abuse" otherwise, 518, incidents 43 "as noted, background," use phrase noted," ignores, confirms previously described, therefore, "rests fundamental fallacy," 544-that 44 determine, like States, relies primarily extensively. questions records; questioning, all, directed discovery documents. reference response question retardation, acknowledgment psychologist's know commissioned—reports nothing experienced. 349. who "no believe [counsel] information." 606 45 maintained oral argument reports" indicated 31, 33, pressed identify consulted, speculated through "[o]ral himself. 36. Not unusual way refer conversations client, contains ever pursued questioning Wiggins. psychologist. 51; 27. again, hire psychologist sheds conclusions clinical meetings final discussed attributed 46 underscore know, directs content proffer. proffered results test purpose incentive seem strong include explicable assume 47 547, accusing lying. incident, reflect mistaken memory shaped passage time. took over four years ignorance cannot infer undisputed possessed, 523-524. conclude 48 Nethercott's emphasize Both interfere "constitutionally protected independence counsel" heart base "must circumstances." 49 end consistent records—evidence presentation incomplete Furthermore, partially relied assumption. satisfied. III 50 constitute violation, 692. "defendant undermine confidence outcome." reweigh aggravation circumscribed analysis. 51 reported members family, Reply 18-19, six mother. homeless, along capacities, declared 319 ("`[E]vidence belief, held society, defendants commit criminal acts attributable disadvantaged culpable excuse'"); Eddings Oklahoma, 455 104, 112 (1982) offender's "`part inflicting penalty death'"); Lockett Ohio, 438 586, 604 (1978) (invalidating Ohio permit 52 admissible form. strategically defensible strategies necessarily mutually exclusive. strength chosen prioritize challenge, contained double edge cases. 776 (1987); 168 (1986). 53 nevertheless maintains altered 553-554. both, 524-527. 526, solely "[y]ou're suggestion. 54 considerable reaching need suggests, 554-556, state-law evidentiary findings evaluate evidence—"both proceeding[s]." 397-398 55 event, assertion, Whittlesey 340 30, 665 223 (1995), vacated excluding, hearsay grounds, exercise discretion admit "any reliable guilt-or-innocence phase trial." 73, 244. "relaxed standard," observed, factfinder "the opportunity `any proffers basis death.'" Ball 347 156, 172-173, 1170, 1177 (1997) admitted defendant). dismisses contents calling "liar" "uncorroborated gossip," 554, 555, Whittlesey, 71, 243 reasons relaxing rules force context"). contests types neglect 56 factor—that Borchardt 367 91, 139-140, 786 631, 660 single concludes outweighs imposed); 369 (instructing jury: "If unanimously proven preponderance circumstance outweigh sentence"). 57 contrast 418 (Rehnquist, dissenting) savagely beaten elderly woman, stolen cars, fire home, stabbed man confessed choking fellow prisoner's jaw). found, stronger, far weaker, where 399. "might appraisal" 398. Accordingly, remanded opinion. 58 ordered. Notes: Briefs ofamici reversal Alfred P. Carlton, Lawrence Fox, David Kessler, Robin Maher; Constitution Project Virginia Sloan Stephen Hanlon; National Defense Lawyers Reiser, Eleanor H. Smith, Lisa Kemler; Workers Thomas Goldstein Amy Howe; Janet Reno Litt, Kathleen Behan, John Freedman. amici affirmance California Bill California, Manuel Medeiros, R. Anderson, Chief Pamela Hamanaka, Senior Kristofer Jorstad, Scott Hayward, De Nicola, respective follows: Pryor, Alabama, Terry Goddard Arizona, Ken Salazar Colorado, Thurbert Baker Georgia, Madigan Illinois, Steve Carter Indiana, Richard Ieyoub Louisiana, Mike McGrath Montana, Jon Bruning Nebraska, Brian Sandoval Nevada, Jim Petro W. Drew Edmondson D. Michael Fisher Pennsylvania, Larry Long South Dakota, Mark L. Shurtleff Utah, Jerry Kilgore Virginia, Christine O. Gregoire Washington; Legal Foundation Kent Scheidegger. 59 whom THOMAS joins, dissenting. 60 today vacates ground "incomplete." Ante, 534. oath, basic overlooked. chooses disbelieve withstand disbelief plausibly entertained, certainly (as requires) believing adequately fails observe 2254(e)(1)'s requirement state-court rebutted evidence." sets naught statutory scheme once described "highly deferential rulings," Lindh Murphy, 521 320, 333, (1997). respectfully dissent. 61 violates (1984), attorneys, learned—and jury—the following evidence: (1) neglected feed properly, 165a-169a; (2) according sister India, intentionally burned 5-year-old kitchen punishment playing matches, 169a-171a; (3) neglect, out families, 173a-192a; (4) parents "`two times week, sometimes everyday,'" eight old, 177a-179a; (5) knocked unconscious teenage children, 190a; (6) joined administrator advances became involved," 192a-193a (later, supervisor drugged woke up, "knew anally penetrated," 193a); (7) "`borderline'" mentally retarded, 193a-194a. All 62 (one attorneys) although assemble background: 63 "`Q removed natural correct? 64 "`A tracked down. 65 You got Service records? 66 That recall. 67 68 Yes. 69 So that? 70 71 [sic] homes? 72 73 Okay. child him? 74 75 homosexual overtures toward Corp supervisor? 77 retarded? 78 79 all— 80 reports, yes. 81 it? 82 Yes.'" 83 testimony, (1999) original), specifically, "[c]ounsel [Wiggins] childhood," issues binding courts, evidence.1 findings, said, Constitutional deficiency. Gilliam 331 651, 680-82, 629 700-02 (1993), 1077 (1994); 788-96 (1987)." 84 merits, bars States," 2254(d)(1), foundation tests. turn. 85 precedents, disregards 2254(d)(1)'s command used decisions. Further, misdescribes ignoring determinations. 86 encompass holdings decision." 412 (2000) Yet discussing claims, case—Williams supra—that postdates ante, 522. concedes law" decision, 522, believes ignore 2254(d)'s strictures "Williams' review[, and] [his] claim," ibid. wrong—in premise conclusion. 87 reviewed inadequate-performance question—de novo. surmounted prong—the prong—was "contrary to," of," precedents. 393-394, 397. free relief— since raised Teague defense, Lane, 489 (1989), proceeded analyze discussion question, 395-396. assert law," There "obligation why citation opinions, promulgated Association, Insofar concerned, (1987), ineffective-assistance acknowledging "could did." eschewed imposition "rules" 688-689, specifically stating very guides." 688 law—law 88 characterization still Congress. Whether fault means says, defies congressionally imposed limits 89 (and thereby satisfied) possibly sustained, bind rests fallacy: records," 529. demonstrably so. "had available" 15-16, absolutely says (or assumes) relied. assumption—or rather, bald 527 (asserting "cease[d] investigation" receipt reports); 524 (referring "[c]ounsel's records"). 90 "assumed" Public-defender investigators Defendant's Supplemental Answer Discovery Request 88-CR-5464 (Cir. Ct. Cty., Sept. 1989), Respondents, hired Dr. (who interviews, performed ibid.; 349-351), criminologist, Johnson prison, 319-321). reports—such allegation child, 490—so reports. 91 notes, 529-530, expressly whatever so, recite obvious surely provides stupidly opposite record. 92 Once eliminates mischaracterization opinion—which reports—there "unreasonable" noted earlier, items later-prepared subjected 490, him, 491.2 reason—namely, conflict persuade "`principal'" Lacs's (i. hand). 504-505. responses salvage declare inescapable construct so-called regardless pre-existing suggestion, 32, "`a normative standard'" lawyers obtain history); flirts accepting ("[P]rofessional trial" included, cases, report"); (hereinafter Guidelines), "`to evidence'" added Court)). (which events occurred absurd. Nothing largely contrary, emphasizes "[t]here countless ways case," 689, states "[p]revailing guides," (treating "well-defined norms"). inconceivable Schlaich, truthfully regarding childhood, comport competence otherwise. 94 awareness lied. assumes sub silentio throughout telling truth see, 525 ("Had proceedings"), eventually declares straight-out disbelieves 531-533. blatant improper shifting burden requiring it. But, importantly, enough conclude, 533, "cannot If truth, 95 false, insists, 531. true. "what regard particular, answered "`[y]es'" question: "`You homes?' " "refe[r] [Schlaich] declares; neither, way, knowledge. 96 himself; unearthed documentation corroborating 464; 177a, 193a. reasons. First, Wiggins." 532. calls timeout get bearings: testified, knowledge, obtained (if wishes impeach testimony) dooms, fortifies, produced unknown Schlaich. 97 incomprehensible. `other reports' [would] client." homes. retardation "`other reports'": 98 99 100 101 102 103 490-491 104 "`At reports,'" 491 added), "`that'" retarded—not knew. 105 disbelieving sworn "Counsel's 533. assertions, 193a (evidence exactly worthy flattering "powerful"), intent stand. testifying perfectly 106 course offers—which range incredible feeble—are independent judgment, must) showing. uninformed muster circumstantial powerfully unconvincing allegations things worse, bound (though opinion) 2254(e)(1).3 Because 2254(e)(1) conclusion—that deficiency," added)—is unassailable 107 holds satisfied 2254(d)(2), allows escape "resulted (Emphasis added.) wrongly "recorded 108 true enough. will concede presumption correctness evidence" requires. assume, arguendo, error proceeding. 109 2254(d)(2) suffers irreparable defect on" determination. difference abuse? knowledge—whether himself —was consequence. mattered knew, oath worker. based. 110 indefensible avoided entitle "prejudiced" "error." 691-696. Specifically, retained probability" spared points continues disregard procession seemingly preordained result. 111 social-history aware—without benefit report—that bound, §§ (d)(2), "were chose, "deliberate, killing Ms. Lacs." incremental induced change course. conflicted raise doubts principal, wanted avoid "shotgun approach" 504-505.4 (This entirely unrefuted choice," 536. doubt 490-491.) irrelevant hypothetical attorney" 535-536; done dare assert) 535-536. 113 almost inadmissible trial. "reliable" admissible, 70, 223, many anecdotes consist baldest hearsay—statements cross-examination, submitted form signed affidavit. Consider, example, 177a. himself, unsworn un-cross-examined interview Selvog. corroboration 464, parent deceased, 470. was, examined pediatrician supposed biweekly daily occurred, pediatrician's signs 181a; 464. 114 Much "evidence" (including unconscious, fourth home) undocumented say-so. treats uncorroborated gossip fact,5 534-535—indeed, refers "powerful" 534—and handed truth. "Selvog's great deal getting multiple hearsay, opinions diagnosis nature." 156a. 115 contends "may admissible," 536—relying supra. judge's assembled per se grounds "reliable." 71-72, 243. implausible "consider[s] sentencing," 537. post-dated reliability, 156a, undoubtedly correct. accounts murderer demonstrates, serial liar. lied Geraldine Armstrong car belongs buddy min[e],'" 179. credit cards Friday Thursday, 180. ring, And, knowing provided attack sentence, lie again suffered. pertaining especially dubious reliability; consistently refused allow except treating physician. Bohnert 312 266, 276, 657, 662 (1988) (refusing worker's child's "unsubstantiated averments," abused); Nixon 140 170, 178-188, 780 344, 349-354 (child protective agent's retarded teenager agent hearsay); Low 119 413, 424-426, 705 67, 73-74 (1998) examining physician's abuse). 116 unreliable, inadmissible, witness this, dangers saw exposing client cross-examination wide issues. 353 (Wiggins' advising open court: "`Kevin, take stand, answer you. permissible answer'"). perception heightened observation volatile obnoxious (Wiggins interrupting verdict say: "`He can't tell I'm go out. didn't it'"); prosecutor's "`I'm lady. sit that'"). 117 indulging, sake argument, belief "may" 536, believed report's statements. 536-537. liar, 179-180, aided credibility avoiding stand funneling story shared uncritical wholesale acceptance claims. 118 Today's extraordinary—even "`death-is-different'" jurisprudence. Simmons Carolina, 512 154, 185 (1994) dissenting). give effect presumed correct, member fact. Title "In instituted applicant rebutting confirm occurrence inmore remained unconfirmed posed "`one'" 490. degree detail report—but either. short, defends refusal adhere thescope forth precedent." 528-529. response, accept not) "most childhood." secondly, misapplication "that .. abuse.. 529), question. Miller-El Cockrell, 322, 341, 348 (2003). Introducing semiweekly perhaps daily) horrible experience perpetrate bizarre crime—in woman apartment, clothed missing underwear, sprayed Black Flag Ant Roach Killer increased anecdotes, assisted determination, that— anticipating, alas, succeed vacate rumor innuendo

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