No. 25-5563

Joseph Lee Smith v. Louisiana

Lower Court: Louisiana
Docketed: 2025-09-05
Status: Denied
Type: IFP
IFP
Tags: constitutional-review manslaughter post-trial-motions sentencing specific-intent writ-application
Latest Conference: 2025-11-07
Question Presented (from Petition)

WHETHER THE LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT ERRED WHEN IT DENIED
PETITIONER'S WRIT APPLICATION FILED ON DIRECT APPEAL AND
THE CLAIM THAT PETITIONER POSSESSED THE REQUISITE SPECIFIC
INTENT TO SUPPORT A CONVICTION OF MANSLAUGHTER ?

WHETHER THE SENTENCE IMPOSED OF ONE HUNDRED YEARS, WITHOUT
THE BENEFITS OF PROBATION, PAROLE OR SUSPENSION OF SENTENCE
WAS UNCONSTITUTIONALLY EXCESSIVE?

WHETHER THE SENTENCES SHOULD BE SET ASIDE AND THE MATTER
REMANDED FOR RULING ON THE POST-TRIAL MOTIONS?

Question Presented (AI Summary)

Whether the Louisiana Supreme Court erred in denying petitioner's writ application on direct appeal regarding specific intent for manslaughter, whether the 100-year sentence without probation or parole was unconstitutionally excessive, and whether sentences should be remanded for ruling on post-trial motions

Docket Entries

2025-11-10
Petition DENIED.
2025-10-16
DISTRIBUTED for Conference of 11/7/2025.
2025-07-01
Petition for a writ of certiorari and motion for leave to proceed in forma pauperis filed. (Response due October 6, 2025)

Attorneys

Joseph Lee Smith
Joseph Lee Smith — Petitioner