Cochrane v. Langlois

This is a petition for a writ of habeas corpus directed to the warden of the adult correctional institutions and to the assistant director of social welfare in charge of correctional services. After our examination of the petition, we ordered the respondents to show cause why the writ should not issue. The respondents appeared and filed an answer.

The petitioner is a 16-year-old boy who prays that he be released from the state prison because his incarceration violates certain of his constitutional rights and accordingly is illegal. In their answer, respondents admit that petitioner is confined…