Watson v. Hopper

Nichols, Chief Justice.

In September, 1970, James Watson was convicted of rape and is presently serving a life sentence. On direct appeal such conviction was affirmed. See Watson v. State, 227 Ga. 698 (182 SE2d 446). Thereafter, the prisoner filed two unsuccessful petitions for writs of habeas corpus, Watson v. Stynchcombe, 228 Ga. 193 (184 SE2d 580) and Watson v. Ault, 229 Ga. 238 (190 SE2d 57). After the present habeas corpus petition was filed in July, 1974, the respondent warden was directed to reply within 30 days. On the call of the case, the prisoner called for a ruling on his motion…