James Bryson Martin v. Dr. George J. Beto, Director, Texas Department of Corrections

RIVES, Circuit Judge:

This appeal from the district court’s denial of habeas corpus stems from the Probate Court scandal that rocked Houston, Texas, in 1962, and presents some important constitutional questions.

The appellant Martin was convicted of bribery, sentenced to imprisonment for four years and fined $2500.00. His conviction was affirmed by the Court of Criminal Appeals of Texas.1 Certiorari was denied by the Supreme Court of the United States accompanied by the following significant memorandum of the Chief Justice:

“Memorandum of Mr. Chief Justice Warren.

“Each of these three cases stems…