Ayestas v. Davis

Summary

The Supreme Court unanimously held that the Fifth Circuit applied the incorrect legal standard in denying a capital habeas petitioner's request for funding under 18 U.S.C. §3599(f). The Court ruled that funding decisions should be based on whether services are 'reasonably necessary,' not whether the applicant shows a 'substantial need' or a viable claim not procedurally barred. The case was vacated and remanded for further proceedings.