Thompson
Thompson v. Runnells
Opinion
Lead Opinion
MEMORANDUM *
The district court properly denied Appellant Troy Thompson’s (Thompson) habeas petition. Thompson’s constitutional challenges 1 to the state trial court’s use of an anonymous jury fail, because he does not demonstrate that the California Court of Appeal’s decision was contrary to clearly established United States Supreme Court precedent. See Ferrizz v. Giurbino, 432 F.3d 990, 993-94 (9th Cir.2005). Thompson’s claim that his dignity interests were violated similarly fails. See id.
Thompson’s state law claims fail, because “federal habeas corpus relief does not lie for errors of state law.” Little v. Crawford, 449 F.3d 1075, 1082 (9th Cir. 2006) (citation omitted).
Thompson’s claim that he was denied a liberty interest in a non-anonymous jury as created by state law is meritless, because California courts have upheld the voir dire procedure utilized during Thompson’s trial. See People v. Goodwin, 59 Cal.App.4th 1084, 1090-91 , 69 Cal.Rptr.2d 576 (1998).
Thompson’s ineffective assistance of counsel claim fails, because he does not demonstrate the requisite prejudice. See Cooper-Smith v. Palmateer, 397 F.3d 1236, 1243 (9th Cir.2005).