Edward N. Jackson v. S. Lamont Smith, Warden, Ga. State Prison, Reidsville, Ga.

Jackson, a Georgia state prisoner, appeals from the District Court’s denial of his petition for habeas corpus relief. He contends that he was denied the assistance of competent counsel; that he was the victim of an illegal arrest, search, and seizure; that he was illegally detained and interrogated, and denied a preliminary hearing and bail; and that he was indicted and convicted by illegally selected grand and petit juries.

After a jury trial, Jackson, who was represented by court-appointed counsel, was convicted of murder. The death penalty initially imposed was later commuted to life…