Burdge v. Palmateer

The majoritys ruling in this case will have significant consequences regarding the availability of post-conviction relief. In effect, the majoritys decision articulates a rule of law that extends relief to convicted persons beyond previously recognized boundaries regarding the requirement that criminal defendants be furnished constitutionally adequate assistance of counsel. Because this case requires us to consider the meaning of the requirement for constitutionally adequate assistance of counsel, it is necessary to begin with an examination of the source of that requirement.

Article I,…