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What is the legal case of Harvey F. GARLOTTE vs. Kirk FORDICE?

The case centered around Garlotte's habeas corpus petition challenging a 1985 state conviction for possession of marijuana, which he was required to serve consecutively with concurrent life sentences for two murder convictions.

Garlotte filed the habeas corpus petition in 1989, naming Kirk Fordice, the Governor of Mississippi, as the respondent.

The Supreme Court's decision in Garlotte v.

Fordice was seen as a complement or reversal of its earlier ruling in Peyton v.

Rowe, which had allowed prisoners to challenge future consecutive sentences while still serving an initial sentence.

The case highlighted the complex legal issues surrounding the interpretation of "custody" for the purposes of habeas corpus petitions, particularly when dealing with consecutive sentences.

Garlotte's case spent nearly 6 years navigating the court system, from the initial filing of the habeas corpus petition to the Supreme Court's final ruling in 1995.

The Supreme Court's 7-2 decision in Garlotte's favor was seen as a significant victory for prisoners' rights and the ability to challenge expired convictions through habeas corpus.

The case shed light on the challenges faced by prisoners serving consecutive sentences, who may have limited opportunities to challenge their convictions while still serving time.

Garlotte's case highlighted the importance of the habeas corpus writ as a safeguard against unlawful imprisonment, even for expired convictions.

The decision in Garlotte v.

Fordice helped to clarify the circumstances under which a prisoner can be considered "in custody" for the purposes of a habeas corpus petition.

The case was notable for the Supreme Court's willingness to overturn the lower courts' dismissal of Garlotte's petition, demonstrating the Court's commitment to upholding prisoners' rights.

The Garlotte v.

Fordice decision has been cited in subsequent cases dealing with the interpretation of "custody" and the scope of habeas corpus relief.

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