In Re Sorenson v. Smith

Belmont Sorenson filed an original petition in this court for a writ of habeas corpus, alleging that he was restrained of his liberty in the state penitentiary under and by color of a purported judgment, sentence, and commitment, issued out of the superior court for Pierce county, which judgment and sentence was void and of no legal effect. The chief justice thereupon ordered respondent to show cause why the petition should not be granted. In response to the show cause order, respondent demurred to the petition on the ground that the petition did not state any grounds to cause the writ to…