Gregory Harris v. Mark S. Inch, etc.

Summary

The Supreme Court of Florida considers sanctions against Gregory Harris after dismissing his unauthorized habeas corpus petition. The Court finds that Harris abused the judicial process and that his seventh habeas petition raising the same claims was frivolous, and it directs the Clerk to reject future related filings unless signed by a Florida Bar member in good standing.

Holdings

1. Harris's persistent history of meritless or otherwise inappropriate pro se filings, including the present petition that repeated claims raised in six prior habeas petitions, constituted an abuse of the judicial process and a frivolous proceeding under section 944.279(1), Florida Statutes.
2. The Clerk of the Supreme Court of Florida was directed to reject future filings by Harris related to the specified criminal cases unless signed by a member in good standing of The Florida Bar, while permitting counsel to file on his behalf if counsel determines that the proceeding may have merit and can be brought in good faith.

Questions Presented

1. Whether Harris's repeated pro se habeas filings constituted an abuse of the judicial process and a frivolous proceeding under section 944.279(1), Florida Statutes.
2. Whether the Supreme Court of Florida should impose sanctions and restrict Harris's future filings concerning his criminal cases.

Disposition

other