Legal Document

498 U.S. 433 111 S.Ct. 862 112 L.Ed.2d 962 Jimmie BURDEN, Jr.v.Walter ZANT, Warden. No. 90-5796. Feb. 19, 1991. PER CURIAM. 1 Petitioner argues that the Court of Appeals, in rejecting his conflict-of-interest claim, improperly failed to give a presumption correctness state-court factual finding, violation 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d). We agree, and accordingly motion for leave proceed forma pauperis petition writ certiorari are granted. 2 On August 1, 1981, petitioner was arrested on charge burglarizing sister's house. Kenneth Kondritzer, local public defender two-attorney defender's office, appointed soon thereafter represent petitioner. While awaiting trial burglary charge, nephew, Henry Lee Dixon (the son alleged victim), gave statement police implicating unsolved 1974 murders woman her three children. Based upon Dixon's statement, obtained warrants or about September 15, charging both with murders. Kondritzer began representing at time, while continuing Dixon, however, never indicted At preliminary hearing November which appeared behalf, judge ruled although State had sufficient evidence hold as material witness against Burden, it did not have him 3 December 7, he still represented by Kondritzer. left office end other Michael Moses, assumed responsibility 4 After March 1982, convicted four counts murder sentenced death. testimony provided sole directly linking 903 F.2d 1352, 1356-1357 (CA11 1990). In addition, cross-examination prosecutor closing argument acknowledged testifying under grant immunity,1 fact expressly credited court its mandatory post-trial report, see Record, Respondent's Exh. p. 54.2 5 exhausting state remedies, filed habeas corpus United States District Middle Georgia, alleging, inter alia, receive effective assistance counsel because labored conflict interest. Although petitioner's contention received immunity exchange agreement testify petitioner, 690 F.Supp. 1040, 1045 (1988), nevertheless denied relief shown an adverse impact representation counsel, Moses. Ibid. 6 appeal, Appeals Eleventh Circuit determined record evaluate therefore remanded evidentiary issue, retaining jurisdiction over case. 871 956 (1989). hearing, testified charges, reached "an understanding" district attorney "as long [Dixon] [against petitioner] nothing would happen him." Civ. Action 88-6-3-MAC (MD Ga., Sept. 20, 1989), 4. The concluded free from 7 case then returned affirmed Court's denial relief. recognized potential interest Kondritzer's simultaneous held "the became actual sense interests required compromise [petitioner's] interests." F.2d, 1359. addressing dual adversely affected negotiated stated: 8 "[T]he assumption transactional immunity, [petitioner], is without support. . There no documentary any sort attests having immunity. Thus, [petitioner] can longer base claim mistaken attempted obtain one client instrumental conviction another." Id., 1359-1360. 9 As argues, Appeals' finding contrary express court's report "Dixon granted prosecution." 54. This made pursuant statutory directive, n. 2, supra, based prosecutor's trial, determination historical "presumed be correct" purposes federal proceeding. See 2254(d).3 A may disregard this unless finds enumerated exceptions 2254(d) met, explains reasoning support conclusion. Sumner v. Mata, 449 539, 549, 551, 101 764, 771, 66 722 (1981). even mention much less explain why entitled correctness. 10 Respondent maintains "waived" reliance failing sufficiently emphasize mischaracterizes record. first brief before remand, repeatedly stated, argument, Brief Petitioner-Appellant 88-8619, pp. 5, 6, 8, 11, 13-14, 17, 22, 23. Indeed, assertion crux argument. supplemental letter memorandum, after again central supporting claim. stating understand there dispute since specifically found Letter Memorandum 88-8619 (CA11), 1; also id., 9. asserted "entitled correct ness." seems clear adequately raised below. 11 Consequently, we reverse remand so consider erroneous failure credit 12 It ordered. response question, "[H]ave you been promised anything your today?," "Immunity." 1G, 649 (trial transcript). likewise jury, "[W]e offered I think realize did. I'll tell did." 911 Under Ga.Code Ann. 17-10-35(a) (1990), must file every death penalty imposed. Designed facilitate review Georgia Supreme Court, include, judge's assessment prosecution's trial. generally Gregg 428 153, 167-168, 96 2909, 2922-2923, 49 859 (1976) (joint opinion Stewart, Powell, STEVENS, JJ.). notes "[t]he most damaging defendant's case." states prosecution jury properly informed appropriate given jury." Section provides pertinent part: "In proceeding instituted Federal application person custody judgment court, merits competent applicant officer agent thereof were parties, evidenced written opinion, reliable adequate indicia, shall presumed correct. ."

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