Opinion
CIVIL 2:21-CV-12773
09-02-2022
NATHANIEL WARD, Petitioner, v. MATT MACAULEY, Respondent,
SECOND ORDER COMPELLING PRODUCTION OF STATE COURT RECORD
HONORABLE DENISE PAGE HOOD UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE
Petitioner filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 2254. On December 3, 2021, the Court signed an order of responsive pleading requiring respondent to file an answer in accordance with Rule 5 of the habeas corpus rules by February 7, 2022. Respondent filed an answer to the petition on February 7, 2022. Respondent also filed some of the Rule 5 materials, but failed to file the trial transcripts. These materials are necessary for resolving petitioner's claims.
The habeas corpus rules require respondents to attach the relevant portions of the transcripts of the state court proceedings, if available, and the court may also order, on its own motion, or upon the petitioner's request, that further portions of the transcripts be furnished. Griffin v. Rogers, 308 F.3d 647, 653 (6th Cir. 2002); Rules Governing § 2254 Cases, Rule 5, 28 U.S.C. foll. § 2254. “When this information is required, it is the State's responsibility to provide it.” Griffin, 308 F.3d at 654. The general rule is that a district court must review the entire state court trial transcript in federal habeas cases, and where substantial portions of that transcript were omitted before the district court, the habeas case should be remanded to the District Court for consideration in light of the full record. See Adams v. Holland, 330 F.3d 298, 406 (6th Cir. 2003). It is reversible error for a district court to fail to review the transcripts upon which a habeas petitioner's claims are dependent. See Shaw v. Parker, 27 F App'x. 448, 450 (6th Cir. 2001).
Based upon the foregoing, the court orders respondent to produce the trial transcripts in petitioner's case within twenty one (21) days of the date of this order or show cause why they are unable to comply with the order.