Opinion ID: 1970062
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Prior Claim Procedural Bar

Text: When reviewing the Superior Court's denial of a postconviction motion pursuant to Rule 61, this Court first must consider the procedural requirements of the rule before addressing any substantive issues. Younger v. State, Del.Supr., 580 A.2d 552, 554 (1990). Rule 61(i)(4) provides, in part, that any ground for relief that was formerly adjudicated is thereafter barred, unless reconsideration of the claim is warranted in the interest of justice. Stone's first claim was rejected on the merits by this Court during Stone's direct appeal. Stone has offered no reason why reconsideration of this previously adjudicated claim is warranted in the interest of justice. Consequently, the Court finds Stone's first claim to be procedurally barred by the provisions of Rule 61(i)(4).