Judges must guard against the assumption that whatever is familiar is also essential. Putting a factual basis for the plea on the record has become familiar as a result of statutes and rules, not as a result of constitu- tional compulsion. A state may require its judges to engage in extended colloquies designed to elicit factual support for pleas of guilty. Putting the basis on the record not only helps the defendant make a wise choice but also prevents subse- quent litigation in which the defendant denies knowing some vital bit of information. Shortcomings in compliance with such requirements do not entitle prisoners to collat- eral relief in federal court.
Some kinds are more deadly than others.
For all we know, Higgason pleaded guilty because he knew that the prosecution could show that he chose the most lethal am- munition. Of course this is speculation, but as we have said the state receives the benefit of reasonable infer- ences. 1990 Wis. L. Rev. 1179. Higgason does not contend that his plea was involun- tary. He has not offered to supplement the record with evidence that the ammunition in the shotgun was unlikely to kill at 25 yards, or that he believed the risk of death small.