Morrison, Jared
WR-83,021-01
| Tex. App. | Apr 13, 2015Background
- Morrison, pro se, filed a Motion to Object to the Trial Court's Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law seeking review of post-conviction habeas corpus issues.
- District court findings dated March 6, 2015 relied on affidavits from Morrison’s prior attorneys (David Rogers and Rodion Cantacuzene) and were challenged as untrue by Morrison.
- Morrison submitted Exhibits N–S and moved to disqualify Rogers’ affidavit and to obtain a live evidentiary hearing, arguing the findings were one-sided.
- Morrison argues Fleming v. State (Tex Crim. 2014) is distinguishable and that 22.011’s mental-state element should modify “of a child,” making the statute constitutionally valid under proper statutory construction.
- He asserts the statute’s application to 14–16 year olds with First Amendment concerns and seeks relief via habeas corpus, including grounds alleging ineffective assistance and procedural violations.
- The filing includes an unsworn declaration and a certificate of service indicating service on the Clerk, State, and Morrison’s address.
Issues
| Issue | Plaintiff's Argument | Defendant's Argument | Held |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whether 22.011 is constitutional under proper statutory construction. | Morrison contends CMS must modify 'of a child' and that strict liability is unconstitutional. | Fleming validates the strict liability interpretation to protect children without requiring age-specific mens rea. | Undetermined in these filings; Morrison argues distinction but Fleming largely controls. |
| Whether the district court’s reliance on Fleming is misplaced and merits live evidentiary resolution. | Morrison seeks an evidentiary hearing to address disqualified affidavits and unresolved issues. | District court relied on affidavits; Morrison’s motion to disqualify raises questions. | Remains for decision; Morrison requests hearing if grounds differ. |
| Whether Morrison’s claims of ineffective assistance of counsel and 11.072 procedures were properly preserved and warranted relief. | Morrison asserts IAC and improper writ procedures impeded relief. | Findings rely on affidavits; procedural issues not yet resolved. | Not resolved in the Findings; Morrison seeks relief under Grounds 8-13. |
Key Cases Cited
- Fleming v. State, 441 S.W.3d 252 (Tex. Crim. 2014) (discusses mens rea and age in 22.011; rational basis approach criticized by Morrison)
- Vasquez v. State, 622 S.W.2d 864 (Tex Crim. 1981) (pre-1983 strict liability framework referenced by Morrison)
- Liparota v. United States, 471 U.S. 419 (U.S. 1985) (addresses mental element in statutes (CMS) and notice concerns)
- Staples v. United States, …, (U.S. 1994) (ties to mental element requirements in statutory schemes)
- X-Citement Video v. United States, 509 U.S. 161 (U.S. 1993) (addresses mens rea and legality in sexual offense context)
- Griswold v. Connecticut, 381 U.S. 479 (U.S. 1965) (First Amendment foundational privacy rights cited by Morrison)
- Eisenstadt v. Baird, 405 U.S. 438 (U.S. 1972) (extends privacy and intimate decisions; supports First Amendment analysis)
- Lawrence v. Texas, 539 U.S. 558 (U.S. 2003) (protects intimate conduct; relevance to First Amendment analysis)
- Planned Parenthood of Central Missouri v. Danforth, 428 U.S. 52 (U.S. 1976) (references abortion-related constitutional standards (context for privacy and liberty))
- Dombrowski v. Pfister, 380 U.S. 479 (U.S. 1965) (civil rights and liberty issues relevant to constitutional analysis)
- Bigelow v. Virginia, 421 U.S. 809 (U.S. 1975) (First Amendment protection for expressive conduct)
- Zubia v. State, 998 S.W.2d 226 (Tex Crim. 1999) (discusses statutory interpretation and age-related defenses)
