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In re Griffin

Citation: 34 F. App'x 954Docket: No. 02-6179

Court: Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit; May 23, 2002; Federal Appellate Court

Narrative Opinion Summary

Lawrence E. Griffin filed a petition for a writ of mandamus, seeking a coram nobis hearing to challenge his 1981 conviction in the District of Columbia. The court determined it lacks jurisdiction to review cases from the District of Columbia or other federal circuits, referencing precedent cases such as District of Columbia Court of Appeals v. Feldman and Gurley v. Superior Court of Mecklenburg County. Consequently, the petition was denied due to lack of jurisdiction. The court decided against oral argument, stating that the facts and legal issues were adequately presented in the submitted materials.

Legal Issues Addressed

Denial of Petition for Writ of Mandamus

Application: The petition for a writ of mandamus was denied on jurisdictional grounds, as the court cannot entertain cases from outside its circuit.

Reasoning: Consequently, the petition was denied due to lack of jurisdiction.

Discretion to Dispense with Oral Argument

Application: The court exercised its discretion to forego oral argument, finding that the written submissions sufficiently addressed the factual and legal issues.

Reasoning: The court decided against oral argument, stating that the facts and legal issues were adequately presented in the submitted materials.

Jurisdiction of Federal Courts

Application: The court determined it lacks jurisdiction to review cases originating from the District of Columbia, affirming its limitation to cases within its designated circuit.

Reasoning: The court determined it lacks jurisdiction to review cases from the District of Columbia or other federal circuits, referencing precedent cases such as District of Columbia Court of Appeals v. Feldman and Gurley v. Superior Court of Mecklenburg County.