Thaler v. Haynes

Summary

The Supreme Court held that neither Batson v. Kentucky nor Snyder v. Louisiana clearly establishes a categorical rule requiring a judge to reject a demeanor-based explanation for a peremptory challenge unless the judge personally observed the juror's demeanor. The Court reversed the Court of Appeals, which had held that such a rule was clearly established for federal habeas relief, and remanded for review under the federal habeas statute.