In Re: Terrence Wright

Movant seeks authorization to file a second or successive application for habeas relief. The court held that a convicted state prisoner, such as movant in this case, challenging the execution of his sentence is required to apply for authorization to file a second or successive habeas application. According to the plain language of the statutes at issue and the purpose and context of the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act (AEDPA), movant's petition, although styled as a 28 U.S.C. 2241 petition, is governed by 28 U.S.C. 2254, and as such, should be treated as an “application under section 2254.” Therefore, when a prisoner being held “pursuant to the judgment of a State court” files a habeas petition claiming the execution of his sentence is in violation of the Constitution, laws, or treaties of the United States, the more specific section 2254 “and all associated statutory requirements” shall apply, regardless of the statutory label the prisoner chooses to give his petition. In this case, movant must move in the appropriate court of appeals for an order authorizing the district court to consider the second or successive application. Movant's petition is second or successive, and he does not meet the criteria for authorization. Accordingly, the court denied the motion. View "In Re: Terrence Wright" on Justia Law