Opinion ID: 1210535
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 8

Heading: Book and Movie Rights Contract

Text: Whittier's preparation of a book and movie rights contract for Wood's signature raises the question of whether Whittier had a financial interest in the case which created a conflict of interest resulting in ineffective assistance of counsel. Whittier did not sign the contract and testified that he did not intend to actually obtain any rights through the contract. Apparently this was another unusual tactic to attempt to control an uncontrollable client. Whittier apparently thought that Wood would not be as willing to diminish the value of a story that might be sold by talking to members of the press. The district court noted the ethical issues presented by this tactic but correctly focused on whether Whittier had an actual conflict of interest, and, if so, if the conflict adversely affected his performance. Holloway, 435 U.S. at 482, 98 S.Ct. 1173. The district court found that Whittier never signed the contract and had no intention of acquiring any rights under the contract. Consequently, he never actively represented any interest adverse to that of Wood. These findings and the conclusion of the district court are supported by the evidence submitted in the post-conviction review proceedings. The district court determined that the existence of the purported contract did not influence the defense strategy. In fact Whittier conducted the defense in a manner to diminish the glare of publicity which surrounded this case. There was no effort by Whittier to sensationalize the case and thereby increase the value of any book or movie rights. The record supports these findings. The district court concluded that no actual conflict of interest existed with regard to the book/movie contract, and that, in any event, Whittier's representation of Wood was not adversely affected by the existence of any such contract. These determinations are supported by the record. Wood has not shown that his right to effective assistance of counsel was violated.