State ex rel. McMannis v. Mohn

Miller, Justice:

In this original habeas corpus proceeding the relator contends that his life sentence under our recidivist statute, W. Va. Code, 61-11-18 and -19, is void. He further urges that his conviction for second degree sexual assault be set aside in that he was compelled to wear prison clothes at the time of the trial, in violation of the principle of Estelle v. Williams, 425 U.S. 501, 48 L. Ed. 2d 126, 96 S.Ct. 1691 (1976). Finally, he states this same principle applies to his witnesses, who were brought to the trial in prison garb and handcuffs.

The State admits that the life…