Opinion ID: 163068
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Alleged Inadequacy of the Record

Text: Mr. Cole observes that “neither the transcript of [the state court] proceedings nor the record proper from state court have been filed in this case.” Aplt’s Br. at 3. He contends that “[w]ithout a state court record proper and transcript of proceedings, appointed counsel is unable to begin to assemble the needed proof of an ineffective assistance of counsel claim.” Id. at 11. Mr. Cole further maintains that the district court’s analysis of his procedural default is deficient because it is based on an incomplete record. We are not persuaded by Mr. Cole’s contentions about the inadequacy of the record. In response to Mr. Cole’s petition, the respondent filed a motion to dismiss and a supporting memorandum in which he argued that Mr. Cole’s claims were procedurally barred. See Rec. vol. I doc. 11-12 (Motion to Dismiss and Memorandum in Support, filed December 20, 2001). The respondent noted that Mr. Cole had failed to file a timely certiorari petition in the New Mexico Supreme Court. Rec. vol. I, doc. 12, at 4-5. Additionally, the respondent stated that “[t]he -6- New Mexico Supreme Court’s Decision [in Mr. Cole’s direct appeal] pointed to specific evidence in the record from which a factfinder could have found [Mr. Cole] guilty of first degree murder and three counts of attempted first degree murder.” Rec. vol. I. doc. 12 at 6. The respondent also submitted copies of the judgment and sentence, the briefs in the state court direct appeal, the New Mexico Supreme Court’s decision, Mr. Cole’s state court habeas petition, and the state district court’s summary dismissal. See Rec. vol. I, doc. 13. (Answer to Petition for a Writ of Habeas Corpus, filed Dec. 20, 2001). These documents provided the district court with sufficient information to determine whether Mr. Cole’s petition was procedurally barred and whether either of the established exceptions (cause and prejudice or a fundamental miscarriage of justice) would excuse his default. 4