No. 18-9219

Yaqob Tafan Thomas v. Joseph P. Meko, Warden

Lower Court: Sixth Circuit
Docketed: 2019-05-09
Status: Denied
Type: IFP
Response WaivedIFP
Tags: aggravating-factor alternative-means burden-of-proof constitutional-challenge constitutional-scrutiny due-process jury-instructions presumption richardson-v-us-schad-v-arizona
Latest Conference: 2019-06-13
Question Presented (from Petition)

1. DOES IT VIOLATE THE DUE PROCESS CLAUSE WHEN A STATE INTENTIONALLY REFUSES
TO DEFINE EVERY ELEMENTAL FACT IN "ALTERNATIVE MEANS" STATUTE THEREBY
CREATING AN UNCONSTITUTIONAL PRESUMPTION ON DISPOSITIVE ISSUES OF
AGGRAVATING FACTOR THAT RELIEVES THE STATE OF ITS BURDEN OF PROOF AND
, PRECLUDING FURTHER CONSTITUTIONAL SCRUTINY?

2. DOES THIS TYPE OF ERROR FORM A BASIS FOR A CONSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGE UPON A
MERITORIOUS OBJECTION BASED ON A LACK OF UNANIMITY UNDER RICHARDSON V. US
AND SCHAD V. ARIZONA WHICH COULD MAKE THEIR ANALYSIS CATEGORICAL AND IN
VIOLATION OF THE DUE PROCESS CLAUSE?

3. IN LIGHT OF SUCH ERRORS, SHOULD THE GIVING OF INITIAL JURY INSTRUCTIONS
CONSTITUTIONALLY BE CONSIDERED A CRITICAL STAGE IN THE PROCEEDINGS?

Question Presented (AI Summary)

Does it violate the due process clause when a state intentionally refuses to define every elemental fact in 'alternative means' statute thereby creating an unconstitutional presumption on dispositive issues of aggravating factor that relieves the state of its burden of proof and precluding further constitutional scrutiny?

Docket Entries

2019-06-17
Petition DENIED.
2019-05-29
DISTRIBUTED for Conference of 6/13/2019.
2019-05-20
Waiver of right of respondent Joseph P. Meko to respond filed.
2019-04-30
Petition for a writ of certiorari and motion for leave to proceed in forma pauperis filed. (Response due June 10, 2019)

Attorneys

Joseph P. Meko
James C. ShackelfordKentucky Attorney General, Respondent
Yaqob Tafan Thomas
Yaqob Tafan Thomas — Petitioner