Although trial counsel's performance here is subject to de novo [*51] review, the reviewing Court's scrutiny of counsel's performance is highly deferential, and counsel is "strongly presumed to have rendered adequate assistance and made all significant decisions in the exercise of reasonable professional judgment." McQueen v. Scroggy, 99 F.3d 1302, 1311 (6th Cir. 1996) (overruled on other grounds). The reviewing Court must "evaluate the reasonableness of counsel's performance within the context of the circumstances at the time of the alleged errors."

" Rodwell, 324 F.3d at 71.The holding in McQueen v. Scroggy, 99 F.3d 1302 (6th Cir.1996), that endorsed the rigid approach we have just rejected is hereby overruled.FOCUSBack soon.AROUND THE WEBTalkLeft (talkleft.com) notes:Did Justice Dept. Base Death Decision on Race? by TChris The federal government has charged 14 people with playing a role in a smuggling operation that resulted in the deaths of 19 illegal immigrants after they succumbed to heat in the back of a tractor-trailer.