The PEOPLE v. Chapman

The defendant, Willie Chapman, pleaded guilty to a charge of robbery and was sentenced to the penitentiary for a term of not less than 5 nor more than 12 years. On December 20, 1962, he filed a post-conviction petition which alleged (1) that his conviction was based upon the false and conflicting testimony of a former companion and accomplice; (2) that the difference in the sentences imposed (apparently the sentence imposed upon the defendant and that imposed upon his accomplice) was too great; and (3) that the trial judge showed unfairness in sentencing the defendant by observing that he was…