Baze v. Parker
2011 U.S. App. LEXIS 2172
6th Cir.2011Background
- Baze, a Kentucky inmate on death row, seeks interviews to bolster his clemency bid.
- KDOC denied unfettered access to prison personnel and inmates in January 2009.
- Baze sued in state court; Kentucky courts rejected his claim, and the Kentucky Supreme Court affirmed.
- In February 2010, Baze sought a federal order under 18 U.S.C. § 3599(f) or the All Writs Act to obtain interviews.
- The district court denied relief for lack of jurisdiction; the Sixth Circuit reviews jurisdiction de novo.
- The court considers whether § 3599 or the All Writs Act authorizes such an enforcement order.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether § 3599 authorizes enforcement orders beyond funding | Baze contends § 3599(f) empowers courts to order access to information | Parker argues § 3599(f) limits to funding for reasonably necessary services, not enforcement | No jurisdiction; § 3599(f) only funds services, not compel state officials |
| Whether the All Writs Act provides independent jurisdiction | Baze relies on All Writs Act to enforce access to interviewees | Parker argues All Writs Act requires aid to existing jurisdiction and cannot create new authority here | No jurisdiction; All Writs Act relief is not in aid of § 3599 jurisdiction |
Key Cases Cited
- Harbison v. Bell, 129 S. Ct. 1481 (U.S. 2009) (§ 3599 authorizes indigent clemency counsel)
- Workman v. Bell, 245 F.3d 849 (6th Cir. 2001) (pardon/commutation decisions rarely subject to judicial review)
- Ohio Adult Parole Auth. v. Woodard, 523 U.S. 272 (U.S. 1998) (federalism concerns in state proceedings)
- Coleman v. Thompson, 501 U.S. 722 (U.S. 1991) (federal habeas corpus federalism and finality principles)
- Young (Younger) v. Harris, 401 U.S. 37 (U.S. 1971) (federal courts abstain from interfering with ongoing state proceedings)
- United States v. Perry, 360 F.3d 519 (6th Cir. 2004) (All Writs Act scope in aiding jurisdiction)
- Bob Jones Univ. v. United States, 461 U.S. 574 (U.S. 1983) (statutory interpretation and contextual reading of statutes)
- Finley v. United States, 490 U.S. 545 (U.S. 1989) (court jurisdiction limited to Congress-granted powers)
- Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook Cnty. v. U.S. Army Corps of Eng'rs, 531 U.S. 159 (U.S. 2001) (statutory interpretation to avoid federalism problems)