7th Circuit Affirms District Court's Denial of Jesse Smith's Habeas Corpus Petition

In a most disappointing moment, on May 4, 2009, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the District Court's denial of Jesse Smith's habeas corpus petition.

The opinion of the court was delivered by Circuit Judge Bauer.  A full copy of the opinion can be found by clicking this link.  http://www.ca7.uscourts.gov/fdocs/docs.fwx?caseno=07-2713&submit=showdkt&yr=07&num=2713

The  decision is best described by quoting directly from the opinion: "The result is a tangled web of defaults excused by causes that may themselves be defaulted and require a showing of cause and prejudice-a result that has an 'attractive power for those who like difficult puzzles."  

On behalf of Jesse, Chicago criminal defense attorney Michael J. Petro plans to file a Petition for Writ of Certiorari in the United States Supreme Court.  As a ray of light, the Supreme Court recently granted Certiorari in the case of Beard v. Kindler, USSCT Docket 08-992. 

The fight continues. 

For more about attorney Michael J. Petro, visit www.mjpetro.com