Case Name: RIDGELEY v. WARDEN OF MARYLAND HOUSE OF CORRECTION
Court: Court of Appeals of Maryland
Jurisdiction: Maryland
Decision Date: 1952-11-11
Citations: 201 Md. 651
Docket Number: H. C. No. 17
Parties: RIDGELEY v. WARDEN OF MARYLAND HOUSE OF CORRECTION
Judges: 
Reporter: Maryland Reports
Volume: 201
Pages: 651–652

Head Matter:
RIDGELEY v. WARDEN OF MARYLAND HOUSE OF CORRECTION
[H. C. No. 17,
October Term, 1952.]
Decided November 11, 1952.
Before Maekell, C. J., and Delaplaine, Collins, and Henderson, JJ.

Opinion:
Markell, C. J.,
delivered the opinion of the Court.
This is an application for leave to appeal from denial of a writ of habeas corpus. Petitioner is imprisoned under sentence for two years upon conviction by a trial magistrate of contributing to the delinquency of two children. He alleges that he was (1) denied the "opportunity" to secure counsel and refused "court-appointed" counsel and (2) refused the opportunity, and not given time, to secure witnesses. No circumstances are stated indicating a need for counsel, especially before a magistrate, or in what sense he was "refused" opportunity to secure witnesses.
Appointment of counsel by a magistrate is unheard of in Maryland, but as Judge Marbury stated in denying the writ, on appeal petitioner would have been entitled to a trial de novo; counsel could then have been appointed, if necessary. Petitioner's second complaint could also have been reviewed on appeal, but not on habeas corpus.
Application denied, with costs.