DOES THE PETITIONER HAVE A NONWAIVABLE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO DUE PROCESS OF THE LAW? DIRECT APPEAL FROM HIS OR HER CONVICTION, AND ON THE MERIT OF HIS OR HER CLAIMS?

DOES THE STATE COURTS FAILURE TO MAKE THE THRESHOLD DETERMINATION AS REQUIRED UNDER THE STATUTORY PROVISION VIOLATE THE PETITIONER'S RIGHT TO THE EQUAL PROTECTION OF THE LAW?

Does the petitioner have a nonwaivable constitutional right to (a) effective/conflict-free assistance of counsel on direct appeal from his or her conviction, and (b) equal protection of the law warranting a determination on the merits of his or her claims?