Legal Document

403 U.S. 711 91 Supreme Court Reporter 2285 29 United States Reports Lawyer’s Edition 2d Series KF101.8 U54 820 Charles HUNTER et al.v.TENNESSEE. Number 5085. of the June 28, 1971* On petition for writ certiorari to Tennessee, Western Division. PER CURIAM. 1 The motions leave proceed in forma pauperis and petitions writs are granted. 2 After a joint trial state courts petitioners were convicted rape sentenced death. While their appeals pending Tennessee Court, this announced its decision Witherspoon versus Illinois, 391 510, 88 1770, 20 776 (1968). Petitioners sought supplement bills exceptions raise issues under that decision, but they precluded from doing so by provisions former Code Annotated § 27-111 (1955), which as it then stood prohibited filing more than 90 days after judgment. therefore affirmed petitioners' convictions sentences without considering possible effect Witherspoon. 222 Tenn. 672, 440 South Reporter, 2nd (1969). Legislature amended authorize appellate order criminal cases at any time, good cause shown. Ann. (Supp. 1970). With matters posture, we believe sound judicial administration requires us vacate judgments below remand afford an opportunity apply court new statute exceptions. In we, course, intimate no view on merits contentions or applicability these cases. 3 It is ordered. 4 Mr. Justice BLACK dissents. * Together with 5098, Ulous Harris Tennessee; 5101, Garfield Houston al. 5103, Hunter Tennessee.

Classification Label: 0