Bracy v. Gramley

Summary

Chief Justice Rehnquist, writing for a unanimous Court, held that Bracy established good cause under Habeas Corpus Rule 6(a) for discovery supporting his claim of actual judicial bias. Judge Maloney’s proven corruption, together with specific allegations connecting that corruption to Bracy’s trial, supplied sufficient grounds for inquiry, although the Court did not decide whether actual bias occurred. Compensatory bias against Bracy intended to conceal bribery in other cases would violate due process if proved. The Court reversed and remanded, leaving the scope and extent of discovery to the District Court’s discretion. There were no separate opinions.