Chessman v. Teets

Mr. Justice Douglas, with whom Mr. Justice Clark concurs,

dissenting.

I agree with the general principle announced by the Court. But I think it is misapplied here. Its application to the facts results, I fear, in a needless detour in a case already long-drawn-out by many appeals.1

I agree that in a case like this it matters not whether the petitioner is guilty or innocent, whether his complaint is timely or tardy. We should respect a man’s constitutional right whenever or however it is presented to us. My difficulty here is not with any principle the Court *167announces. My dissent is based on the…