Roderick R. Williams, Petitioner v. Honorable Steven Porch, Circuit Judge, Respondent

Summary

The court granted in part a pro se petition for mandamus because the circuit court had allowed a postconviction petition and related motions to remain pending beyond a reasonably necessary period. Mandamus could require the judge to rule, but it could not dictate the merits of the Rule 37.1 petition or compel discretionary actions such as appointing counsel, holding an evidentiary hearing, vacating convictions, or granting a new trial. The circuit judge was directed to dispose of the petition and motions within 120 days.