Stoltie v. Tilton

Summary

The United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed the district court’s decision in a habeas corpus case involving a confusing jury instruction on reasonable doubt. The court held that the state appellate court unreasonably applied clearly established Supreme Court law and adopted the district court’s opinion except for Section III.C.

Holdings

1. The state appellate court unreasonably applied clearly established Supreme Court law regarding reasonable doubt because it misunderstood the trial judge's confused and confusing explanation of that standard.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the state appellate court unreasonably applied clearly established Supreme Court law governing the reasonable-doubt standard.
2. Whether the district court's grant of federal habeas relief should be affirmed.

Disposition

affirmed