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James Joseph Owens v. State of Maryland

Citations: 21 F.3d 423; 1994 U.S. App. LEXIS 15866; 1994 WL 112757Docket: 94-6032

Court: Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit; April 5, 1994; Federal Appellate Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

James Joseph Owens, acting pro se, appealed the denial of his petition for a writ of mandamus by the United States District Court for the District of Maryland. The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals reviewed the district court's opinion and record, concluding that the appeal lacked merit. The panel, consisting of Circuit Judges Phillips and Luttig, along with Senior Circuit Judge Butzner, affirmed the lower court's decision based on its reasoning. The court determined that oral argument was unnecessary, as the existing materials sufficiently presented the facts and legal issues. The final ruling was to affirm the district court's decision dated December 15, 1993.

Legal Issues Addressed

Necessity of Oral Argument

Application: The court determined that oral argument was unnecessary as the materials presented were sufficient to resolve the facts and legal issues of the case.

Reasoning: The court determined that oral argument was unnecessary, as the existing materials sufficiently presented the facts and legal issues.

Standard of Review for Writ of Mandamus

Application: The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals reviewed the district court's denial of a writ of mandamus and concluded the appeal lacked merit, affirming the lower court's decision.

Reasoning: The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals reviewed the district court's opinion and record, concluding that the appeal lacked merit.