The Supreme Court has appointed Kasdin Mitchell, a former law clerk to Justice Clarence Thomas and current partner at Kirkland & Ellis in Dallas, to present arguments in a significant post-conviction relief case. This comes as the federal government itself no longer defends part of the decision rendered by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit in Bowe v. United States, set for hearing in April. The court’s decision to enlist Mitchell underscores the critical role of federal laws regarding post-conviction relief for federal prisoners.
The federal government agrees with Michael Bowe, who was convicted on charges of attempted robbery and discharging a firearm during a violent crime, that the 11th Circuit erred in one aspect of his case. However, it maintains that the Supreme Court lacks jurisdiction to review the case. Consequently, Mitchell’s appointment ensures that the 11th Circuit’s ruling receives a defense in front of the Supreme Court, a practice that occurs once or twice each term but has happened six times this term, showing a marked increase.
Notably, this case marks Mitchell’s inaugural appearance as an advocate before the Supreme Court. Her previous experience includes collaborating with K. Winn Allen, who was appointed by the justices to argue on behalf of a lower court ruling in Holguin-Hernandez v. United States. For further details, visit the SCOTUSblog article that covers this development comprehensively.