United States of America Ex Rel. William Sanders v. James F. Maroney, Supt., State Correctional Institution, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15233

OPINION OF THE COURT

This is an appeal from the district court’s denial of relator’s petition for a writ of habeas corpus. 1

On December 27, 1960, the relator, who was represented by counsel, entered a plea of guilty before the Court of Common Pleas of Chester County, Pennsylvania, to an indictment charging murder generally. Thereafter, a three-judge panel heard testimony to determine the degree of guilt and, after two hearings, determined that the relator was guilty of murder in the first degree and sentenced him to life imprisonment.

Thereafter, the relator twice sought habeas corpus relief in…