North Carolina v. Alford

400 U.S. 25, 91 S.Ct. 160, 27 L.Ed.2d 162 (1970)

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North Carolina v. Alford

United States Supreme Court
400 U.S. 25, 91 S.Ct. 160, 27 L.Ed.2d 162 (1970)

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Facts

Alford (defendant) pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in order to avoid standing trial on first-degree murder, a capital offense. Alford was represented by counsel and the state had a very strong case against him. Alford testified that he was pleading guilty because of the state’s strong case but maintained that he had not committed the murder. The trial judge accepted Alford’s pleas and sentenced him to the 30-year maximum sentence. Alford sought post-conviction relief.

Rule of Law

Issue

Holding and Reasoning (White, J.)

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