Brief filed: 10/02/2020
Documents
Moore v. Stirling
United States Supreme Court; Case No. 20-5570
Prior Decision
Decision below 952 F.3d 174 (4th Cir. Mar. 3, 2020)
Argument(s)
Martinez recognized that its equitable remedy is necessary to ensure that state post-conviction counsel adequately protects the Sixth Amendment right to counsel. The right to effective assistance of counsel is a bedrock principle in our criminal justice system. Martinez mandates federal judicial review of trial counsel ineffectiveness where state post-conviction counsel performed in a constitutionally deficient manner. The Fourth Circuit’s application of “Fair Presentation” principles eviscerates Martinez. Certiorari is warranted to provide clarity to lower courts and practitioners, and enforce this Court’s mandate in Martinez. Courts of Appeals are divided on how to apply Martinez. Lower courts and practitioners require guidance on how the Supreme Court interprets Martinez.
Author(s)
Jonathan L. Marcus, Thania Charmani, and Judith A. Flumenbaum, Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom LLP, Washington, DC.
