James Edward Craig v. Warden Sam P. Garrison, Central Prison

MEMORANDUM AND ORDER:

James Edward Craig filed two petitions in the district court on March 4, 1976. He labeled one “Application for Writ of Habeas Corpus”; he labeled the other “Application for Peremptory Writ of Mandamus.” In the first one he sought release unless the state court would give him a hearing “now” on his state postconviction remedy. Not being a lawyer he has inverted the clauses — but his meaning is clear: he wants out. Indeed, his application is on the district court’s own habeas relief form and adequately claims unconstitutional confinement. In the latter, he sought an order…