Johnson v. State of Alabama et al (INMATE 2)

Filing 21

ORDERED that on or before 11/18/08 petitioner may file a response to the answer filed by respondents as further set out in order. Signed by Honorable Wallace Capel, Jr on 10/29/08. (sl, )

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE MIDDLE DISTRICT OF ALABAMA SOUTHERN DIVISION _____________________________ DAVID LAMAR JOHNSON, #255 052 * Petitioner, v. STATE OF ALABAMA, et al., Respondents. ____________________________ * * * * ORDER Respondents filed an answer on September 17, 2008 and supplemental answers on October 2, 2008, October 10, 2008, and October 28, 2008 in accordance with the provisions of Rule 5, Rules Governing Section 2254 Cases in the United States District Courts. (Doc. Nos. 11, 15, 18, 20.) They contend therein that the present habeas corpus petition is due to be denied because the claims presented by Petitioner provide no basis for relief. Specifically, Respondents argue that Petitioner's claims are "procedurally barred" from review by this court. In support of this argument, Respondents contend that none of the claims presented by Petitioner in the instant petition were raised on direct appeal and his failure to properly present his claims in the Alabama state courts, which is required to exhaust and preserve his claims for habeas review,1 has resulted in a procedural default of such claims in this court.
Respondents also note that Petitioner filed a petition for writ of mandamus in the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals during the pendency of his direct appeal proceedings. Assuming, arguendo, that such proceeding may be considered an appropriate vehicle by which a petitioner may exhaust state remedies, Respondents maintain that the claims presented during those proceedings (some of which are presented in the instant habeas application) were either deemed defaulted by the state courts or not properly exhausted
1

1:08-CV-610-TMH (WO)

See O'Sullivan v. Boerckel, 526 U.S. 838 (1999); Smith v. Jones, 256 F.3d 1135, 1137 (11th Cir. 2001). A procedural default bars consideration of the merits of a claim unless Petitioner can establish "cause" for the failure to follow the state's procedural rules and show "prejudice" resulting from this failure. See Wainwright v. Sykes, 433 U.S. 72 (1977). However, even if Petitioner fails to show cause and prejudice, a procedural default will not preclude a federal court from considering a habeas petitioner's federal constitutional claim where Petitioner is able to show that the court's failure to address his claim would result in a "fundamental miscarriage of justice." Schlup v. Delo, 513 U.S. 298, 320 (1995); Murray v. Carrier, 477 U.S. 478 (1986). The miscarriage of justice exception allows federal courts to address procedurally defaulted claims if Petitioner shows that "a constitutional violation has probably resulted in the conviction of one who is actually innocent." Carrier, 477 U.S. at 496. Accordingly, it is ORDERED that on or before November 18, 2008 Petitioner may file a response to the answer filed by Respondents. Any pleadings, documents or evidence filed after this date will not be considered by the court except in exceptional circumstances. Petitioner is advised that at any time after November 18, 2008 the court shall "determine whether an evidentiary hearing is required. If it appears that an evidentiary hearing is not required, the [court] shall make such disposition of the petition as justice shall require." Rule 8(a), Rules Governing Section 2254 Cases in the United States District Courts.

thereby causing a default of those claims in this court. See Henderson v. Campbell, 353 F.3d 880, 891 (11th Cir. 2003). (See Doc. No. 20.)

Petitioner is instructed that when responding to Respondents' answer he may file sworn affidavits or other documents in support of his claims. Affidavits should set forth specific facts which demonstrate that Petitioner is entitled to relief on the grounds presented in the habeas corpus petition. If documents which have not previously been filed with the court are referred to in the affidavits, sworn or certified copies of those papers must be attached to the affidavits or served with them. When Petitioner attacks Respondents' answer by use of affidavits or other documents, the court will, at the appropriate time, consider whether to expand the record to include such materials. See Rule 7, Rules Governing Section 2254 Cases in the United States District Courts. Petitioner is cautioned that in responding to Respondents' assertion that all of his claims for relief are procedurally defaulted he must state specific reasons why he failed to comply with the state's procedural rules or otherwise did not present or pursue these claims in state court either at the trial court level, on appeal, or in available post-conviction proceedings. Petitioner is advised that the reasons presented must be legally sufficient and that the facts surrounding or relating to the reasons for the failure must be stated with specificity. Moreover, if Petitioner claims that this court should address the procedurally defaulted claim under the fundamental miscarriage of justice exception, he must show specific reasons for the application of this exception.

Done, this 29th day of October 2008.

/s/ Wallace Capel, Jr. WALLACE CAPEL, JR. UNITED STATES MAGISTRATE JUDGE