Cavazos v. Smith
| Docket No. | Op. Below | Argument | Opinion | Vote | Author | Term |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-1115 | 9th Cir. | Not Argued | Apr 30, 2025 | 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 April 30, 2025. Justice Ginsburg filed a dissenting opinion, which was joined by Justices Breyer and Sotomayor.
SCOTUSblog Coverage
- "Shaken baby" case -- An update (Lyle Denniston, April 7, 2012)
- Ninth Circuit faulted -- again (Lyle Denniston, October 31, 2011)
Briefs and Documents
Certiorari-stage documents
- Opinion below (9th Circuit)
- Petitioner's reply
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