Opinion ID: 2467463
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Extraordinary writs, generally

Text: Mr. Gran seeks prohibition, mandamus, and certiorari. He claims judgments were rendered against him in violation of his right to due process, his right to confrontation, and his right to have a qualified judge on the bench. He claims no trial was held, that the special judge had not taken the oath of office, and that he was denied use of the Arkansas Rules of Criminal Procedure. He also contends that a pro se litigant should not be held to the same standards as an attorney. Mr. Gran had a right to a de novo review of the convictions in the circuit court. At the time his appeal right accrued, it was codified at Ark.Stat.Ann. §§ 22-707 (Repl. 1962) and 22-763.7 (Supp.1985), and it is presently codified at Ark.Code Ann. § 16-17-703 (Supp.1987). Had he appealed the convictions, the complaints he now raises could have been reviewed. Neither mandamus, certiorari, nor prohibition may be used as a substitute for appeal. Burney v. Hargraves, 264 Ark. 680, 573 S.W.2d 912 (1978). We do not assist litigants, pro se or otherwise, by combing the record and rewriting their pleadings to make them into ones which can be recognized or granted. Weston v. State, 265 Ark. 58, 576 S.W.2d 705 (1979). The circuit court was correct in refusing the writs.