Estelle v. Williams
1976 United States Supreme Court case / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Estelle v. Williams, 425 U.S. 501 (1976), is a Supreme Court case involving Harry Lee Williams' conviction of assault on his former landlord in Harris County, Texas. While awaiting trial Williams was unable to post bail. He was tried in his prison uniform, and later was found guilty. He sought a writ of habeas corpus saying being tried in a prison uniform violated his Constitutional rights in accordance with the 14th Amendment. The Court of Appeals ruled that the accused does not have to stand trial in identifiable prison clothes and Williams’ right to due process was violated. The Supreme Court reversed, reinstating the conviction, on June 21, 1976.
Estelle v. Williams | |
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Argued October 7, 1975 Decided May 3, 1976 | |
Full case name | W. J. Estelle, Jr., Director, Texas Department of Corrections, Petitioner v. Harry Lee Williams |
Citations | 425 U.S. 501 (more) 96 S. Ct. 1691; 48 L. Ed. 2d 126; 1976 U.S. LEXIS 50 |
Case history | |
Prior | Certiorari to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit |
Holding | |
Although the State cannot force the accused to stand trial in identifiable prison clothing, the failure to make a timely objection negates the violation of his amendment rights. | |
Court membership | |
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Case opinions | |
Majority | Burger, joined by Stewart, White, Blackmun, Powell, Rehnquist |
Concurrence | Powell, joined by Stewart |
Dissent | Brennan, joined by Marshall |
Stevens took no part in the consideration or decision of the case. | |
Laws applied | |
U.S. Const. amend. XIV |