Department of Justice February 5, 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Pursuant to the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005, the Department of Justice promulgated a final rule to implement certification procedures for states seeking to qualify for the expedited federal habeas corpus review procedures in capital cases under chapter 154 of title 28 of the United States Code. Certification Process for State Capital Counsel Systems, 73 FR 75327 (Dec. 11, 2008). The procedural benefits of chapter 154 are available to states that establish mechanisms for providing counsel to indigent capital defendants in state postconviction proceedings that satisfy certain statutory requirements. The Department hereby requests public comment on issues related to the final rule.