Taylor v. McKee

OPINION

ROGERS, Circuit Judge.

This case turns on the cause and prejudice that can excuse a procedural default. Petitioner Sean Taylor appeals the district court’s denial of his request for a writ of habeas corpus in regard to his incarceration in Michigan for a number of state crimes, including felony murder. Taylor claims that he was denied his right to a fair trial when he was forced to walk in front of jury members on the venire panel while he was wearing prison shackles. However, because Taylor’s counsel did not raise the shackling issue at trial, it is procedurally defaulted, and Taylor’s…