Calderon v. Ashmus

Summary

Chief Justice Rehnquist, writing for a unanimous Court, held that California death-row inmates' suit seeking an advance determination of California's eligibility for Chapter 154's expedited habeas procedures did not present an Article III case or controversy. The requested declaration would resolve only a potential defense in pending or future habeas proceedings, not the underlying controversy concerning the inmates' convictions and sentences. The Court reversed and remanded with instructions to dismiss the complaint, without deciding the First Amendment or Eleventh Amendment questions. Justice Breyer, joined by Justice Souter, concurred to explain that some petitioners could obtain relatively prompt determinations of California's eligibility through habeas proceedings, potentially followed by interlocutory appeals.