Whether the trial judge's repeated improper comments throughout the trial demonstrated his bias in favor of the prosecution and denied Petitioner due process of law and a fair trial

QUESTIONS PRESENTED FOR REVIEW Petitioner filed a state application for habeas corpus relief from his state court murder conviction. Relief was sought on the basis of comments by the state trial judge during the course of trial demonstrating a bias in favor of the prosecution and a lack of impartiality. Petitioner further sought relief because he was denied the effective assistance of counsel at trial and on appeal due to multiple acts of deficient performance by counsel resulting in prejudice. The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals denied the relief sought by Petitioner. The case therefore presents the following questions: 1. Whether the trial judge’s repeated improper comments throughout the trial demonstrated his bias in favor of the prosecution and denied Petitioner due process of law and a fair trial. 2. Whether Petitioner was denied the effective assistance of counsel at trial. 3. Whether Petitioner was denied the effective assistance of counsel on appeal.