In Re Petition of Morck

In view of the decisions of this court we see no merit in any of the claims made in support of the petition for a writ ofhabeas corpus, with the possible exception of the claim that under the circumstances and in view of the provisions of section 220 of the Penal Code, the maximum penalty in petitioner's case was fourteen years. As to this it is sufficient to say that while the sentence imposed was one of twenty-five years such judgment is not void in toto. It is a valid sentence for the term authorized by the law. The judgment was pronounced December 13, 1916. [1] Obviously, therefore, the petitioner has not served the time for which he may be lawfully imprisoned. [2] It is the established practice of this court not to consider any question of excess of sentence until the expiration of the time for which the prisoner may be lawfully confined. It is clear, therefore, that a writ should not be granted at this time. In what we have said we are not to be understood as definitely determining that the judgment in this case was not one authorized by law.

The application for a writ of habeas corpus is denied.

All concur except Lawlor, J., absent.

Case Details

Case Name: In Re Petition of Morck

Court Name: California Supreme Court

Date Published: May 19, 1919

Citation: 180 Cal. 384

Docket Number: Crim. No. 2253.

Court Abbreviation: Cal.