[THREAD] This is highly technical, but it is a big deal. The habeas "opt-in" provisions cut the time a state death-row prisoner has to file a federal habeas corpus petition to 6 months and greatly limit the issues a prisoner is allowed to litigate. @DPInfoCtr #deathpenalty https://twitter.com/RDunhamDPIC/status/1388353293768962053">https://twitter.com/RDunhamDP...

A state qualifies for opt-in only if had a statewide mechanism in place that ensured a capital appellant had quality state-court counsel throughout the state appeals process. @DPInfoCtr #deathpenalty

No state comes close to meeting that requirement, but the Trump DOJ nevertheless deemed #Arizona to be opt-in. If that determination was upheld on appeal, a number of other states that provide substandard representation could also potentially qualify for opt-in. @DPInfoCtr

The Garland DOJ is essentially pulling the plug on the prior administration& #39;s actions and asking for an opportunity to plug holes in the factual record and to make a fresh determination of whether Arizona& #39;s provision of counsel in capital cases truly qualifies for opt-in status.