Narrative Opinion Summary
Writ granted for Terry Earl Castleberry in the Parish of St. Landry case No. 96-K-2173. The court acknowledged the significant difference between the death penalty and other penalties, referencing Lockett v. Ohio, which supports deviations from standard procedures. The relator is entitled to access requested records, which will be managed by Mrs. Dora Ra-balais of Angola’s Legal Services Office, who will ensure their return. Justice Johnson was not part of the panel.
Legal Issues Addressed
Access to Records in Death Penalty Casessubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The court determined that the relator, Terry Earl Castleberry, is entitled to access certain records due to the unique nature of death penalty cases, which allows for deviation from standard procedures.
Reasoning: The court acknowledged the significant difference between the death penalty and other penalties, referencing Lockett v. Ohio, which supports deviations from standard procedures.
Management of Access to Legal Recordssubscribe to see similar legal issues
Application: The access to records requested by the relator will be facilitated by Mrs. Dora Ra-balais of Angola’s Legal Services Office, who is responsible for ensuring the records' return.
Reasoning: The relator is entitled to access requested records, which will be managed by Mrs. Dora Ra-balais of Angola’s Legal Services Office, who will ensure their return.