Document: 365 U.S. 604 81 S.Ct. 774 5 L.Ed.2d 803 Stuart W. NEWSOM, Petitioner,v.W. Frank SMYTH, Jr., Superintendent of Virginia State Penitentiary. No. 116. Argued Jan. 16 and 17, 1961. Decided March 27, Mr. Armistead L. Boothe, Alexandria, Va., for petitioner. Reno S. Harp, III, Richmond, respondent. PER CURIAM. 1 A writ certiorari to review the judgment Supreme Court Appeals Commonwealth was granted in this case, 363 802, 80 1240, 4 1146, belief that it duly presented Court's consideration question whether Due Process Clause Fourteenth Amendment Federal Constitution requires must, appropriate circumstances, appoint counsel assist an indigent prisoner under sentence conviction a state crime prosecuting his appeal. After hearing oral argument, upon full we find record does not adequately establish court found or required there federal claim on which case brought here. The thus fails present question, must be dismissed as improvidently granted. 2 So ordered. 3 Writ dismissed. Justice DOUGLAS, with whom THE CHIEF JUSTICE BLACK concur, dissenting. In April 1953 petitioner guilty murder first degree sentenced life imprisonment penitentiary. At trial, had been represented by counsel, although at allocution he complained failed relevant evidence. On 18, 1953, wrote trial judge trial,1 noting appeal within time allowed therefor law. second letter written five days later,2 requested 'that you me my Appeals.' To neither did receive any reply. He took no further steps conviction. 6 January 1959 filed petition habeas corpus. Law Equity Richmond concluded allege 'a failure accord accused those procedural safeguards guaranteed him constitutions,' accordingly denied writ. Petitioner sought Appeals, refused issue error. Then here, 1146. 7 raised is substantial: Does obligate several States defendants pursue whatever appellate remedies may offer? Cf. Griffin v. People Illinois, 351 12, 76 585, 100 L.Ed. 891. 8 opinion discussed problem terms. extended discussion right indigents quoted from 55 A.L.R.2d page 1085, 1649, following: 9 '* * Thus, establishment rule matter constitutional law, provide assistance prosecute appeals criminal cases would appear more than logical extension doctrine.' It then added: 10 'Whether view correct incorrect is, course, instant case.' And refusing error said 'plainly right.' Regardless courts below were 'required find' stated claim, fact so adjudication issues exposed record.3 11 Equal Protection appointment represent them judgments ripe decision. I dissent dismissal certiorari. 'April 'Honorable M. Ray Doubles 'Hustings Part II 'Richmond 24, 'Your Honor: 'In lue known action part attorney, am taking method respectfully 'life sentence' imposed your 10, 1953. 'I will allotted attempt get Counsel complete appeal.' 23, 'Richmond, Va. 'Due circumstances beyond control, have unable arrangements attorney 'Therefore, request read: 'The Newsom having maturely considered transcript aforesaid seen inspected, being plainly right, doth reject such petition, refuse error, effect affirm (of below).'

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