Gonzalez v. Thaler
| Docket No. | Op. Below | Argument | Opinion | Vote | Author | Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-895 | 5th Cir. |
Nov 2, 2011 Tr.Aud. |
Jan 10, 2012 | 8-1 | Sotomayor | OT 2011 |
Holding: Section 2253(c)(3) is a mandatory but nonjurisdictional rule. The failure of a certificate of appealability to “indicate” a constitutional issue does not deprive a court of appeals of jurisdiction to adjudicate the appeal. Moreover, for a state prisoner who does not seek review in a state’s highest court, the judgment becomes “final” for purposes of Section 2244(d)(1)(A) upon “expiration of the time for seeking such review.” The petitioner’s appeal in this case was therefore untimely.
Judgment: Affirmed, 8-1, in an opinion by Justice Sotomayor on January 10, 2012. Justice Scalia filled a dissenting opinion
SCOTUSblog Coverage
- Opinion analysis: Scalia Dissent in AEDPA Case Warns of “Libertine, Liberating Romp”
- Gonzalez v. Thaler: Justices focus on COA issue
- Argument preview: Another technical AEDPA case implicating state postconviction and counsel
Briefs and Documents
Merits Briefs For the Petitioner
Amicus Briefs in Support of the Petitioner
- Brief for the Rutherford Institute
- Brief for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Innocence Network
Merits Briefs for the Respondent
Certiorari-stage documents
- Opinion below (5th Circuit)





