In re William Penn Dixon

Summary

The Tenth Court of Appeals of Texas dismissed William Penn Dixon’s petition for writ of habeas corpus for want of jurisdiction. The court held that intermediate appellate courts lack original habeas corpus jurisdiction in criminal matters and noted that Dixon, who was represented by appointed counsel, was not entitled to hybrid representation.

Holdings

1. Intermediate appellate courts do not have original habeas corpus jurisdiction in criminal-law matters.
2. Dixon's petition for writ of habeas corpus must be dismissed for want of jurisdiction.

Questions Presented

1. Whether the Tenth Court of Appeals has original habeas corpus jurisdiction over Dixon's criminal-law claims.
2. Whether the court could grant Dixon's requests for suppression of evidence, dismissal of the criminal charges, and an order requiring the trial court to respond.

Disposition

dismissed