Alvin Ray Williams, Appellant v. State of Arkansas, Appellee

Summary

The court held that the circuit court improperly denied Williams's coram nobis petition without allowing factual development, conducting an evidentiary hearing, or making specific findings. It therefore reversed and remanded for a hearing and a reasoned order addressing whether Williams was entitled to relief, and it granted in forma pauperis status and appointed counsel. Justice Hart concurred while urging abandonment of the due-diligence requirement, and Justice Wood, joined by Chief Justice Kemp, dissented because she would affirm the denial based on Williams's lack of diligence.