At least in the Second Circuit.
First, there was the momentous opinion (in Besser v. Walsh) finding that the New York State persistent felony offender statute was unconstitutional.
Then, today, the Second Circuit affirmed the district court's habeas grant in one of my all-time favorite habeas cases - Ramchair v. Conway. The Second Circuit agreed that petitioner had been deprived of his right to the effective assistance of appellate counsel. The published decision is here. Sack wrote the opinion (and he was also a member of the panel in Besser -- really big week for him).
Two huge habeas wins in a single week! Does this count as the Best - Habeas - Week - Ever? Just may be.
Next week, I'll give more details on what could be the final chapter of the Ramchair case (at least in federal court).
I also promise to talk more about the Besser case. I feel that I can speculate about it's potential impact without violating my DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER rules. I'll also (try to) get to that next week.
But for now, I am just going to sit back and enjoy what was a real exciting week in habeasland.
[Edited for grammar]
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