In a 2-1 majority decision, the 6th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals granted habeas relief to Roger Wheeler, a Kentucky death row inmate, finding that the state trial court violated his rights during his capital trial in 2000. SFH Partner Joseph Flood took Mr. Wheeler’s appeal in 2012, briefed multiple issues and presented oral argument in October, 2014. The 6th Circuit opinion, issued February 20, 2015, was uncharacteristically quick and decisive in determining that the Kentucky trial judge improperly excluded a qualified juror. Mr. Flood served as lead counsel and was assisted by Kentucky lawyer David Barron. The opinion is attached below.
