Federal Habeas Corpus Review

This Discussion Paper examines a sample of disposed habeas corpus cases (through which State prisoners make petitions to challenge the validity of their convictions or sentences) in 18 Federal district courts in 9 selected States (Alabama, California, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas). The covered States made up about half of the Nation's 10,000 petitions filed each year in Federal courts. The study presents case characteristics, issues litigated, processing time, and outcomes. National Center for State Courts.