Bledsoe v. Commissioner of Correction

Summary

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court affirmed the denial of Haywood Bledsoe’s petition for extraordinary relief under G. L. c. 211, § 3. The court held that Bledsoe had not shown that ordinary appellate review was unavailable or that he had a substantial claim of substantive-rights violation concerning access to a DVD recording of a summary judgment hearing. The court nevertheless indicated that, if an official recording existed or could readily be prepared, Bledsoe should generally be allowed to obtain it at his own expense.

Holdings

1. A petitioner seeking relief under G. L. c. 211, § 3, must demonstrate both a substantial claim of violation of substantive rights and an error that cannot be remedied through the ordinary review process.
2. The single justice did not abuse his discretion or commit clear legal error by denying Bledsoe's petition.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the single justice abused his discretion or committed clear legal error by denying Bledsoe's petition for relief under G. L. c. 211, § 3.
2. Whether Bledsoe demonstrated a substantial claim of violation of substantive rights and an error that could not be remedied through ordinary appellate review.

Disposition

affirmed