Opinion ID: 780969
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Presumption of Guilt

Text: 132 Mason alleges that juror Russell L. Dennis expressed belief in Mason's guilt before formal deliberations began. When questioned about such a statement, the juror acknowledged saying, Maybe he's pleading guilty, J.A. at 1378, but testified that he really ... hadn't formed an opinion. It was just wishful thinking because it was late in the day and everybody was tired. J.A. at 1380. The trial court found no substantial evidence that any juror made any comment during the trial which demonstrated that he or she had failed to keep an open mind so as to be able to fairly decide the evidence in this case. J.A. at 1487. Absent clear and convincing evidence to the contrary, we must defer to the state court's factual finding, and therefore deny habeas relief with respect to this claim.