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Harrington v. Richter

Docket No. Op. Below Argument Opinion Vote Author Term
09-587 9th Cir. Oct 12, 2010 Jan 19, 2011 8-0 Kennedy OT 2010

Holding: The defense lawyer was not deficient in failing to consult blood evidence when planning strategy for trial. (Kagan, J., recused).

Plain English Holding: Because the high standard for federal habeas relief established by the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act applies even when a state court does not issue an opinion explaining the basis of its decision, the petitioner's defense lawyer was not unconstitutionally ineffective in failing to consult blood evidence when planning strategy for his trial.

Judgment: Reversed, 8-0, in an opinion by Justice Kennedy on January 19, 2011. (Kagan, J., recused).

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