Cavazos v. Smith
| Docket No. | Op. Below | Argument | Opinion | Vote | Author | Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-1115 | 9th Cir. | Not Argued | Oct 31, 2011 | 6-3 | Per Curiam | OT 2011 |
Holding: The Ninth Circuit exceeded its authority under 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d)when it substituted its own judgment for that of a California jury on the question whether the prosecution’s or the defense’s expert witnesses more persuasively explained the cause of a death.
Judgment: Summarily reversed in a per curiam opinion on October 31, 2011. Justice Ginsburg filed a dissenting opinion, which was joined by Justices Breyer and Sotomayor.
SCOTUSblog Coverage
- "Shaken baby" case -- An update (Lyle Denniston)
- Ninth Circuit faulted -- again (Lyle Denniston)
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