In Re Allen
366 S.W.3d 696
| Tex. | 2012Background
- Allen seeks compensation under the Tim Cole Act after habeas relief from the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals on a Schlup-type actual-innocence claim.
- Allen served nearly 26 years in Texas prison for double murder.
- CCA granted habeas relief based on a Schlup-type claim, remanding Allen to custody.
- Comptroller denied the claim as not meeting §103.051(b-1)’s face-face requirement for actual innocence.
- Texas law recognizes two actual-innocence theories—Herrera and Schlup—and was amended to use the term 'actual innocence.'
- Texas Supreme Court grants mandamus directing Comptroller to compensate Allen under the Act, resolving that Schlup-type relief constitutes actual innocence for TCA compensation.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Does Schlup-type habeas relief qualify as actual innocence under the TCA? | Allen contends Schlup qualifies under §103.001(a)(2)(B). | Comptroller argues only Herrera-type claims qualify. | Yes; Schlup-type relief constitutes actual innocence for TCA compensation. |
| Did the 2001 statutory amendment to 'actual innocence' include Schlup claims? | Allen relies on inclusion of Schlup in the term 'actual innocence.' | Comptroller argues no Schlup inclusion implied. | Yes; Legislature intended 'actual innocence' to include Herrera and Schlup claims. |
| Does the CCA order facially indicate relief was based on actual innocence? | Allen’s order shows Schlup-based relief. | Schlup-based relief not clearly indicated; could be for ineffective assistance. | Yes; order clearly indicates relief was based on actual innocence. |
Key Cases Cited
- Ex parte Elizondo, 947 S.W.2d 202 (Tex. Crim. App. 1996) (recognition that actual innocence claims may be cognizable in habeas corps)
- Ex parte Franklin, 72 S.W.3d 671 (Tex. Crim. App. 2002) (Herrera-type actual innocence defined; gateway concepts described)
- Schlup v. Delo, 513 U.S. 298 (U.S. 1995) (actual innocence as a gateway to merits; probabilistic standard)
- Ex parte Spencer, 337 S.W.3d 869 (Tex. Crim. App. 2011) (Schlup gateway applied in Texas context)
- Ex parte Reed, 271 S.W.3d 698 (Tex. Crim. App. 2008) (Schlup standards guiding Texas gateway claims)
- Brooks v. State, 219 S.W.3d 396 (Tex. Crim. App. 2007) (recognition of original innocence standards and Schlup framework)