No. 25-5153

Steven Catlin v. Edward J. Silva, Acting Warden

Lower Court: Ninth Circuit
Docketed: 2025-07-21
Status: Denied
Type: IFP
IFP
Tags: death-penalty federal-review habeas-corpus ineffective-assistance mitigation-evidence voir-dire
Key Terms:
AdministrativeLaw HabeasCorpus Punishment Privacy
Latest Conference: 2025-10-17
Question Presented (AI Summary)

Was the state court's summary denial of Petitioner's habeas claims alleging defense counsel's failure to investigate, develop and present available evidence of mitigation at the penalty phase contrary to or an unreasonable application of clearly established federal law?

Question Presented (OCR Extract)

1. Was the state court’s summary denial of Petitioner’s habeas claims alleging defense counsel’s failure to investigate, develop and present available evidence of mitigation at the penalty phase after priming the jurors during death qualification voir dire for a mitigation case demonstrating what made Petitioner “tick”, contrary to or an unreasonable application of clearly established federal law as determined by the Supreme Court, or an unreasonable determination of the facts, within the meaning of 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d)? 2. Would it be unreasonable for a state court to conclude that, in light of the aggravating circumstances in this case, there is no reasonable probability of a different result if counsel had presented the substantial evidence of Petitioner’s brain damage, childhood trauma and childhood sexual abuse?

Docket Entries

2025-10-20
Petition DENIED.
2025-10-03
Reply of Steven Catlin submitted.
2025-10-03
Reply of petitioner Steven Catlin filed. (Distributed)
2025-10-02
DISTRIBUTED for Conference of 10/17/2025.
2025-09-18
Brief of Silva, Acting Warden in opposition submitted.
2025-09-18
Brief of respondent Edward J. Silva, Acting Warden in opposition filed.
2025-08-06
Motion to extend the time to file a response is granted and the time is extended to and including September 19, 2025.
2025-08-05
Motion of Silva, Acting Warden for an extension of time submitted.
2025-08-05
Motion to extend the time to file a response from August 20, 2025 to September 19, 2025, submitted to The Clerk.
2025-07-08
Petition for a writ of certiorari and motion for leave to proceed in forma pauperis filed. (Response due August 20, 2025)

Attorneys

Silva, Acting Warden
Kenneth N. SokolerCalifornia Department of Justice, Respondent
Steven Catlin
Saor Eire StetlerLaw Offices of Saor E. Stetler, Petitioner