Opinion ID: 877465
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: applicability of newly developed authority

Text: We next consider Coleman's contention that seven of his claims were not properly dismissed on the grounds that the new authority cited was either inapplicable or clearly distinguishable, leaving the claims barred by res judicata. Cases have recognized that although particular issues have been addressed and determined adversely to a prisoner on a direct appeal, a post-conviction court may nevertheless consider such matters where there has been a substantial change in the applicable law. United States v. Sorenson (D.N.Y. 1970), 308 F. Supp. 1268; Robson v. United States (1st Cir.1975), 526 F.2d 1145. As to these seven claims, we note that no evidentiary hearing is required since these are questions of law only which are involved. A court may, of course, conclude that the changes in the law are inapplicable to petitioner's case. Robinson v. United States (D.Ky. 1967), 264 F. Supp. 146, aff'd, (6th Cir.1968), 394 F.2d 823, cert. denied, 393 U.S. 1057, 89 S.Ct. 698, 21 L.Ed.2d 698, reh. denied, 393 U.S. 1124, 89 S.Ct. 997, 22 L.Ed.2d 133. We have reviewed Coleman's seven claims and find that the cases cited by Coleman are distinguishable. We therefore affirm the District Court's holding that the following seven claims are barred by res judicata as the new authority cited is inapplicable or clearly distinguishable: A, C, D, O, BB, TT, and VV.