Smith v. Quarterman

E. GRADY JOLLY, Circuit Judge:

Charles E. Smith was convicted and sentenced to death in Texas for the 1988 capital murder of Pecos County Deputy Sheriff Tim Hudson. He appeals the district court’s denial of federal habeas relief on his claim that his counsel rendered ineffective assistance by failing to present any evidence at the punishment phase of the trial. Because Smith has not demonstrated that the state court’s decision is contrary to, or an unreasonable application of, clearly established federal law, we AFFIRM the judgment of the district court denying federal habeas relief.

I

In August…