People ex rel. Johnson v. Follette

The above 19 relators, all inmates of Green Haven Prison, and returned there by reason of parole *475violations, seek their release in these habeas corpus proceedings because they were not afforded counsel at the parole revocation hearings before the Parole Board. Since this common question is raised in all these proceedings, this single opinion will determine all of these proceedings.

Petitioners rely on a Fourth Department decision, People ex rel. Combs v. La Vallee (29 A D 2d 128, app. dsmd. 22 N Y 2d 857) which granted relief in a habeas corpus proceeding by directing the Board of Parole to…