panetti quarterman director texas department criminal justice institutions division argued april decided june petitioner convicted capital murder texas state sentenced death despite history mental illness texas courts denied relief direct appeal petitioner filed federal habeas petition pursuant district fifth circuit rejected claims denied certiorari course initial state federal proceedings petitioner argue mental illness rendered incompetent executed state trial set execution date petitioner filed motion texas law claiming first time incompetent executed mental illness trial judge denied motion without hearing texas criminal appeals dismissed petitioner appeal lack jurisdiction filed another federal habeas petition district stayed execution allow state trial time consider evidence mental state state began adjudication petitioner submitted motions requested inter alia competency hearing funds mental health expert indicated rule outstanding motions received report written experts appointed review petitioner mental condition experts subsequently filed report concluded inter alia petitioner ability understand reason executed without ruling outstanding motions judge found petitioner competent closed case petitioner returned federal district seeking resolution pending petition district concluded competency proceedings failed comply texas law constitutionally inadequate light procedural requirements mandated ford wainwright held eighth amendment prohibits inflicting death penalty upon insane prisoners although therefore reviewed petitioner incompetency claim without deferring state finding competency nevertheless granted relief finding petitioner demonstrated met standard incompetency fifth circuit precedent explained petitioner competent executed long knew fact impending execution factual predicate fifth circuit affirmed held statutory authority adjudicate claims raised petitioner second federal habeas application requires claim presented second successive application presented prior application dismissed state maintains failure petitioner first application raise incompetency claim deprived district jurisdiction results argument produce show flaws state interpretation second successive correct prisoner two options forgo opportunity raise ford claim federal raise claim first federal habeas application even though premature stewart dilemma apply prisoners mental conditions time initial habeas filing indicative incompetency also prisoners including early sign mental illness prisoners risk deteriorations mental state conscientious defense attorneys obliged file unripe many cases meritless ford claims every application counterintuitive approach add burden imposed courts applicants clear advantage reasonable interpretation suggested precedents congress intend provisions antiterrorism effective death penalty act aedpa addressing second successive habeas petitions govern filing unusual posture presented application raising incompetency claim filed soon claim ripe see supra conclusion confirmed aedpa purposes ing comity finality federalism cockrell promot ing judicial efficiency conservation judicial resources lend ing finality state judgments within reasonable time day mcdonough purposes practical effects holdings considered interpreting aedpa particularly petitioners run risk proposed interpretation forever losing opportunity federal review unexhausted claims rhines weber finally argument case petitioner proceeded manner considered abuse writ cf felker turpin contrary suggested generally appropriate prisoner wait seeking resolution unripe incompetency claims see supra pp state failed provide procedures petitioner entitled constitution ford identifies measures state must provide prisoner alleges incompetency executed justice powell opinion concurring part concurring judgment ford controls see marks constitutes clearly established governing law aedpa purposes justice powell elaborated prisoner seeking stay execution made substantial threshold showing insanity eighth fourteenth amendments entitle inter alia fair hearing including opportunity submit expert psychiatric evidence may differ state psychiatric examination procedures state provided petitioner deficient reconciled reasonable interpretation ford rule uncontested petitioner made substantial showing incompetency also evident record however state reached competency determination without holding hearing providing petitioner adequate opportunity provide expert evidence moreover strong argument violated state law failing provide competency hearing violation undermines reliance state might place justice powell assertion substantial leeway determine process best balances various interests stake aedpa federal may grant habeas relief relevant state adjudication claim merits resulted decision involved unreasonable application relevant federal law state adjudication dependent antecedent unreasonable application federal law requirement satisfied federal must resolve claim without deference aedpa otherwise requires see wiggins smith determined state unreasonably applied ford accorded petitioner procedures question must consider petitioner claim merits without deferring state competency finding pp fifth circuit employed improperly restrictive test considered petitioner claim incompetency merits pp fifth circuit incompetency standard restrictive afford prisoner eighth amendment protections petitioner experts district concluded although claims understand state says wants execute murder mental problems resulted delusion stated reason sham state actually wants execute stop preaching fifth circuit held based earlier decisions delusions simply relevant whether prisoner executed long aware state identified link crime punishment inflicted test ignores possibility even awareness exists gross delusions stemming severe mental disorder may put awareness context far removed reality punishment serve proper purpose also inconsistent ford none principles set forth therein accord fifth circuit rule although ford opinions set forth precise competency standard reach express conclusion constitution places substantive restriction state power take life insane prisoner inter alia execution serves retributive purpose might said capital punishment imposed potential make offender recognize last gravity crime allow community whole including victim surviving family friends affirm judgment prisoner culpability serious ultimate penalty must sought imposed potential recognition objective community vindication called question however prisoner awareness link crime punishment distorted mental illness awareness crime punishment little relation understanding shared community whole prisoner awareness state rationale execution rational understanding ford foreclose inquiry latter refuse consider evidence nature mistake ford holding logic pp although rejects fifth circuit standard attempt set rule governing competency determinations record informative might developed district rejected standard thus finds difficult amplify conclusions make precise proper allow charged overseeing development evidentiary record initial opportunity resolve petitioner constitutional claim pp reversed remanded kennedy delivered opinion stevens souter ginsburg breyer joined thomas filed dissenting opinion roberts scalia alito joined scott louis panetti petitioner nathaniel quarterman director texas department criminal justice correctional institutions division writ certiorari appeals fifth circuit june justice kennedy delivered opinion eighth amendment prohibits state carrying sentence death upon prisoner insane ford wainwright prohibition applies despite prisoner earlier competency held responsible committing crime tried prior findings competency foreclose prisoner proving incompetent executed present mental condition ford prisoner makes requisite preliminary showing current mental state bar execution eighth amendment applicable due process clause fourteenth amendment entitles adjudication determine condition determinations governed substantive federal baseline competency set ford scott louis panetti referred petitioner convicted sentenced death texas state state trial set execution date petitioner made substantial showing competent executed state rejected claim incompetency merits filing petition writ habeas corpus district western district texas petitioner claimed mental condition barred execution eighth amendment set forth substantive standard competency different one advanced state prior proceedings issue insufficient satisfy procedural requirements mandated ford state denied assertions argued addition federal courts lacked jurisdiction hear petitioner claims conclude statutory authority adjudicate claims petitioner raises habeas application find state failed provide procedures petitioner entitled constitution determine federal appellate employed improperly restrictive test considered petitioner claim incompetency merits therefore reverse judgment appeals fifth circuit remand case consideration morning petitioner awoke dawn dressed camouflage drove home estranged wife parents breaking lock entered house front wife daughter shot killed wife mother father took wife daughter hostage night surrendering police tried capital murder petitioner sought represent ordered psychiatric evaluation indicated petitioner suffered fragmented personality delusions hallucinations app evaluation noted petitioner hospitalized numerous times disorders see also evidence later revealed doctors prescribed medication petitioner mental disorders opinion one expert difficult person suffering extreme psychosis even tolerate see ca imagine anybody getting dose waking two three days take kind medication close normal without absolutely put petitioner wife described one psychotic episode petition filed seeking extraordinary relief texas state courts see explained petitioner become convinced devil possessed home effort cleanse surroundings petitioner buried number valuables next house engaged rituals petitioner nevertheless found competent tried waive counsel trial claimed guilty reason insanity trial petitioner engaged behavior later described standby counsel bizarre scary according attorney petitioner behavior private front jury made evident suffering mental incompetence see also net effect dynamic render trial truly judicial farce mockery evidence record moreover indicate petitioner stopped taking antipsychotic medication months trial see rejection medical advice appears petitioner continued day one brief exception see brief petitioner according expert testimony failing take medication tends exacerbate underlying mental dysfunction see see also app uncontested less two months petitioner sentenced death state trial found incompetent waive appointment state habeas counsel see brief petitioner appears therefore petitioner condition worsened since start trial jury found petitioner guilty capital murder sentenced death petitioner challenged conviction sentence direct appeal state habeas proceedings texas courts denied requests relief see panetti state crim ex parte panetti crim may twice denied petition certiorari panetti texas panetti texas petitioner filed petition writ habeas corpus pursuant district western district texas claims rejected district panetti johnson cause appeals fifth circuit panetti cockrell fed appx judgt order denied petition certiorari panetti dretke among issues petitioner raised course state federal proceedings competency stand trial waive counsel petitioner argue however mental illness rendered incompetent executed october judge stephen ables judicial district gillespie county texas set petitioner execution date february see first order setting execution cause order setting execution cause december counsel petitioner filed judge ables motion tex code crim proc art vernon supp pamphlet petitioner claimed first time due mental illness incompetent executed judge denied motion without hearing petitioner attempted challenge ruling texas criminal appeals dismissed appeal lack jurisdiction indicating authority review art determination trial determined prisoner incompetent ex parte panetti per curiam petitioner returned federal filed another petition writ habeas corpus pursuant motion stay execution february district stayed petitioner execution allow state reasonable period time consider evidence petitioner current mental state order case app state time petitioner renewed motion determine competency executed hereinafter renewed motion determine competency attached motion letter declaration two individuals psychologist law professor interviewed petitioner death row february new evidence according counsel demonstrated petitioner understand reasons executed due absence transcript proceedings point altogether clear claims raised nevertheless make necessary recount procedural history detail based docket entries parties filings appears following occurred state trial ordered parties participate telephone conference february discuss status case followed directive instructing counsel submit february names mental health experts consider appointing pursuant art see ibid trial determines defendant made substantial showing incompetency shall order least two mental health experts examine defendant also gave parties february submit motions concerning competency procedures advised hold another status conference date defendant motion reconsider cause pp mar hereinafter motion reconsider february petitioner filed motions related art proceedings included requests transcription proceedings competency hearing comporting procedural due process requirements set forth ford funds hire mental health expert see motion transcribe proceedings related competency determination article cause motion ensure article final competency hearing comports procedural due process requirements ford cause hereinafter motion ensure ex parte motion prepayment funds hire mental health expert assist defense article proceedings cause february failed hold scheduled status conference petitioner counsel called courthouse advised judge ables office day counsel called gillespie county district attorney explained judge informed state attorneys earlier week cancelling conference set appoint mental health experts without input parties motion reconsider february counsel petitioner received order dated february advising appointing two mental health experts pursuant art order cause app february informal status conference denied two petitioner motions indicating consider others mental health experts completed evaluations motion reconsider march petitioner filed motion explaining delayed ruling render number motions moot indication responded motion experts returned evaluation april concluding petitioner knows executed execution result death moreover ability understand reason executed experts alleged petitioner uncooperative bizarre behavior due calculated design panetti deliberately persistently chose control manipulate interview situation claimed app maintained petitioner answer questions relevant legal issues willing ibid judge sent letter counsel including petitioner attorney michael gross dated may said dear counsel appears evaluations performed experts opinion petitioner competent executed accordance standards set art code criminal procedure mr gross matters wish considered please file case papers get copies may petitioner responded filing entitled objections experts report renewed motion funds hire mental health expert investigator renewed motion appointment counsel motion competency hearing cause may hereinafter objections experts report filing petitioner criticized methodology conclusions experts asserted continued need mental health expert criticisms report necessity limited asked rule outstanding motions funds appointment counsel requested competency hearing petitioner also argued general matter process received thus far failed comply art procedural mandates set ford response closed case may released short order identifying report submitted experts explaining ased aforesaid doctors reports finds petitioner failed show preponderance evidence incompetent executed order regarding competency executed cause app order made mention petitioner motions filings petitioner appeal ruling criminal appeals petition certiorari background leads matter us petitioner returned federal seeking resolution petition filed january district granted petitioner motions reconsider stay execution appoint counsel provide funds addition set case evidentiary hearing included testimony psychiatrist professor two psychologists called petitioner well two psychologists three correctional officers called respondent see app see also describe substance experts testimony detail later opinion september district denied petitioner habeas application merits concluded state trial failed comply art found state proceedings constitutionally inadequate light ford reviewed petitioner eighth amendment claim without deferring state finding competency panetti dretke supp wd tex nevertheless denied relief found petitioner shown incompetency defined circuit precedent ultimately explained fifth circuit test competency executed requires petitioner know fact impending execution factual predicate execution appeals affirmed panetti dretke granted certiorari ii first consider jurisdiction habeas corpus application review second one petitioner filed federal gatekeeping provisions claim presented second successive habeas corpus application section presented prior application shall dismissed except certain narrow circumstances see state maintains direction district lacked jurisdiction adjudicate petitioner application argument straightforward petitioner first federal habeas application fully finally adjudicated merits failed raise ford claim result subsequent habeas application raise ford claim successive application terms supplemental brief respondent state contends moreover ford claim brought application governed gatekeeping provisions must dismissed see supplemental brief respondent citing state acknowledges incompetency claims general matter ripe time run file first federal habeas petition see supplemental brief respondent state nevertheless maintains rule foreclose prisoners raising ford claims stewart state explains federal permitted review prisoner ford claim becomes ripe prisoner preserved claim filing first federal habeas application state approach prisoner contemplating future ford claim preserve means state argument force results produce however show flaws state interpretation successive correct implications habeas practice far reaching seemingly perverse prisoner faced two options forgo opportunity raise ford claim federal raise claim first federal habeas application generally must filed within one year relevant ruling even though premature dilemma apply prisoners mental conditions indicative incompetency also early sign mental illness prisoners risk deteriorations mental state result conscientious defense attorneys obliged file unripe many cases meritless ford claims every application counterintuitive approach add burden imposed courts applicants clear advantage conclude another reasonable interpretation one produce distortions inefficiencies phrase second successive takes full meaning case law including decisions predating enactment antiterrorism effective death penalty act aedpa stat see slack mcdaniel citing supra see also felker turpin declined interpret second successive referring applications filed second successively time even later filings address judgment already challenged prior application see slack concluding second application second successive petitioner first application challenged judgment dismissed failure exhaust state remedies see also indicating law govern ed case implying reach result aedpa see also supra interpretation illustrative prisoner filed first habeas application execution date set first application asserted inter alia incompetent executed citing ford district among holdings dismissed claim premature appeals affirmed ruling state obtained warrant execution prisoner filed second time habeas application raising incompetency claim state argued prisoner already one habeas petition plain meaning requires new petition treated successive rejected contention later filing may second time prisoner asked federal courts provide relief ford claim declined accept result two separate applications second necessarily subject ibid instead held light particular circumstances presented ford claim treat two filings single application petitioner entitled adjudication claims presented earlier undoubtedly reviewable application federal habeas relief earlier holding resolve jurisdictional question instant case address applicability prisoner raises ford claim first time petition filed federal courts already rejected prisoner initial habeas application yet willingness look implications habeas practice interpreting informs analysis conclude accord precedent congress intend provisions aedpa addressing second successive petitions govern filing unusual posture presented application raising incompetency claim filed soon claim ripe conclusion confirmed consider aedpa purposes statute design principles comity finality federalism cockrell internal quotation marks omitted cf day mcdonough aedpa statute limitation promotes judicial efficiency conservation judicial resources safeguards accuracy state judgments requiring resolution constitutional questions record fresh lends finality state judgments within reasonable time internal quotation marks omitted purposes practical effects holdings considered interpreting aedpa particularly petitioners run risk proposed interpretation forever losing opportunity federal review unexhausted claims rhines weber see also castro rhines recognize gravity problem posed petitioners file applications claims exhausted well difficulty problem posed petitioners federal district courts alike sought ensure solution problem compatible aedpa purposes castro resisted interpretation statute produce troublesome results create procedural anomalies close doors class habeas petitioners seeking review without clear indication congress intent see also williams taylor johnson duncan walker cf granberry greer empty formality requiring prisoners file unripe ford claims neither respects limited legal resources available encourages exhaustion state remedies see duncan supra instructing prisoners file premature claims particularly many claims colorable even later date conserve judicial resources reduc piecemeal litigation streamlin federal habeas proceedings burton stewart slip per curiam internal quotation marks omitted aedpa concern finality moreover implicated none possible approaches federal courts able resolve prisoner ford claim execution imminent see supra acknowledging district unable resolve prisoner incompetency claim time initial habeas filing filings frivolous designed delay executions dismissed regular course requirement threshold preliminary showing instance general matter imposed stay granted action allowed proceed addition argument petitioner actions constituted abuse writ concept explained cases cf felker aedpa new restrictions successive petitions constitute modified res judicata rule restraint called habeas corpus practice contrary confirmed claims incompetency executed remain unripe early stages proceedings see see also ibid suggesting therefore appropriate general matter prisoner wait seeking resolution incompetency claim ford wainwright remanding case district resolve ford incompetency claim even though ford brought claim second federal habeas petition barnard collins ur research indicates reported decision federal circuit denied relief petitioner claim grounds abuse writ see generally mccleskey zant usual case petition filed second time otherwise permitted terms survive aedpa second successive bar however exceptions hesitant construe statute implemented principles comity finality federalism manner require unripe often factually unsupported claims raised mere formality benefit party statutory bar second successive applications apply ford claim brought application filed claim first ripe petitioner habeas application properly filed district jurisdiction adjudicate claim iii petitioner claims eighth fourteenth amendments constitution elaborated ford entitled certain procedures provided state failure provide procedures constituted unreasonable application clearly established law misapplication ford allows review incompetency claim without deference state decision agree petitioner deference due state failure provide procedures mandated ford constituted unreasonable application clearly established law determined uncontested petitioner made substantial showing incompetency showing entitled among things adequate means submit expert psychiatric evidence response evidence solicited state clear record state reached competency determination failing provide petitioner process notwithstanding counsel sustained effort diligence compliance orders result error review petitioner underlying incompetency claim unencumbered deference aedpa normally requires ford identifies measures state must provide prisoner alleges incompetency executed plurality ford concluded follows although condemned prisoner enjoy presumptions accorded defendant yet convicted sentenced lost protection constitution altogether constitution renders fact timing execution contingent upon establishment fact fact must determined high regard truth befits decision affecting life death human thus ascertainment prisoner sanity predicate lawful execution calls less stringent standards demanded aspect capital proceeding justice powell concurrence also addressed question procedure offered limited holding majority opinion narrower holding controls see marks rule justice powell opinion constitutes clearly established law purposes sets minimum procedures state must provide prisoner raising competency claim justice powell opinion relevant standard follows prisoner seeking stay execution made substantial threshold showing insanity protection afforded procedural due process includes fair hearing accord fundamental fairness ford opinion concurring part concurring judgment internal quotation marks omitted protection means prisoner must accorded opportunity heard internal quotation marks omitted though constitutionally acceptable procedure may far less formal trial example state procedures review ford deficient justice powell explained determination sanity appear ed made solely basis examinations performed psychiatrists procedure invites arbitrariness error preventing affected parties offering contrary medical evidence even explaining inadequacies state examinations ibid justice powell set forth precise limits due process imposes area observed state substantial leeway determine process best balances various interests stake met basic requirements required due process ibid basic requirements include opportunity submit evidence argument prisoner counsel including expert psychiatric evidence may differ state psychiatric examination ibid petitioner entitled protections made substantial threshold showing insanity made showing filed renewed motion determine competency fact disputed party confirmed trial appointment mental health experts pursuant article verified independent review record renewed motion included pointed observations made two experts day petitioner scheduled execution incorporated petitioner first motion determine competency references extensive evidence mental dysfunction considered earlier legal proceedings light showing state failed provide petitioner minimum process required ford state refused transcribe proceedings notwithstanding multiple motions petitioner filed requesting process extent complete record may put actions favorable light constitutes evidence inadequacy proceedings based materials available appears state repeated occasions conveyed information petitioner counsel turned true provided least one significant update state without providing notice petitioner failed general keep petitioner informed opportunity present case also strong argument violated state law failing provide competency hearing see tex code crim proc art fact constitute violation procedural framework texas mandated adjudication incompetency claims violation undermines reliance state might place justice powell assertion substantial leeway determine process best balances various interests stake ford supra see also brief respondent order issued state implied determination petitioner competency made solely basis examinations performed psychiatrists appointed precisely sort adjudication justice powell warned invit arbitrariness error ford supra state made additional error one ford makes clear impermissible constitution failed provide petitioner adequate opportunity submit expert evidence response report filed experts mailed experts report parties first week may report rejected factual basis petitioner claim set forth new allegations suggesting petitioner bizarre behavior due least part deliberate design rather mental illness petitioner counsel reached reasonable conclusion allegations warranted response see objections experts report may told petitioner counsel letter file matters wish considered within week petitioner response renewed motions evidentiary hearing funds hire mental health expert relief submit time expert psychiatric evidence challenge experts report decision context made sense said rule outstanding motions included request funds hire expert request evidentiary hearing experts completed evaluation counsel justified relying representation texas law moreover provides finding incompetency made basis inter alia final competency hearing tex code crim proc art see also ex parte caldwell tex crim app confirming legislature codified dictates ford enacting precursor art indicating determination whether appoint experts conduct hearing within discretion trial petitioner made substantial showing incompetency advised counsel resolve case without first ruling petitioner motions without holding competency hearing petitioner counsel might managed procure assistance experts able pro bono basis day petitioner previously scheduled execution event reasonable counsel refrain procuring submitting expert psychiatric evidence waiting rule timely filed motions reliance assurances point simply ended matter state failed provide petitioner constitutionally adequate opportunity heard prisoner made requisite threshold showing ford requires minimum allow prisoner counsel opportunity make adequate response evidence solicited state see petitioner case meant opportunity submit psychiatric evidence counterweight report filed experts yet petitioner failed receive even rudimentary process light error need address whether procedures opportunity discovery witnesses cases required due process clause ford makes clear procedural deficiencies already identified constituted violation petitioner federal rights state denial certain petitioner motions rests implicit finding procedures provided adequate resolve competency claim light procedural history described however determination reconciled reasonable application controlling standard ford standard stated general terms mean application reasonable aedpa require state federal courts wait nearly identical factual pattern legal rule must applied carey musladin slip kennedy concurring judgment aedpa prohibit federal finding application principle unreasonable involves set facts different case principle announced lockyer andrade statute recognizes contrary even general standard may applied unreasonable manner see williams taylor finding decision contrary involving unreasonable application standard set forth strickland washington principles guide reviewing faced record reasonable interpretation controlling legal standard support certain legal ruling aedpa federal may grant habeas relief relevant state adjudication claim merits resulted decision involved unreasonable application relevant law state adjudication claim dependent antecedent unreasonable application federal law requirement set forth satisfied federal must resolve claim without deference aedpa otherwise requires see wiggins smith performing analysis required strickland second prong without deferring state decision state resolution strickland first prong involved unreasonable application law confirming state ultimate decision reject prisoner claim based first prong second see also williams supra early packer per curiam indicating preclude relief either reasoning result decision contradicts cases due state unreasonable application ford factfinding procedures upon relied adequate reaching reasonably correct results minimum resulted process appeared seriously inadequate ascertainment truth powell concurring part concurring judgment internal quotation marks omitted therefore consider petitioner claim merits without deferring state finding competency iv brings us question petitioner asks resolve whether eighth amendment permits execution prisoner whose mental illness deprives mental capacity understand executed punishment crime brief petitioner review expert testimony helps frame issue four expert witnesses testified petitioner behalf district proceedings one explained petitioner mental problems indicative disorder app resulting genuine delusion involving understanding reason execution according expert delusion recast petitioner execution part spiritual warfare demons forces darkness god angels forces light result expert explained although petitioner claims understand state saying wishes execute murder believes earnest stated reason sham state truth wants execute stop preaching ibid petitioner expert witnesses reached similar conclusions concerning strength sincerity fixed delusion see also state expert witnesses resisted conclusion petitioner stated beliefs necessarily indicative incompetency see particularly light perceived ability understand certain concepts times clear lucid see also acknowledged evidence mental problems see petitioner rebuttal witness attempted reconcile experts testimony well first understand somebody schizophrenic diminish cognitive ability instead situation call schizophrenia thought disorder logical integration reality connection thoughts disrupted stimulus comes instead analyzed processed rational logical linear sort way gets scrambled comes tangential circumstantial symbolic really relevant kind way essence somebody schizophrenic may dealing someone familiar may feel like safer enclosed environment sorts interactions may reasonably lucid whereas extended conversation loaded material reflect severity mental illness see also suggesting unmedicated individual suffering schizophrenia times hold ordinary conversation depends whether discussion concerns individual fixed delusional system short much record support conclusion petitioner suffers severe delusions see app see generally legal inquiry concerns whether delusions said render incompetent appeals held holding conclude rests flawed interpretation ford appeals stated competency determined whether prisoner aware going executed going executed quoting barnard see also discussing ford powell concurring part concurring judgment end appeals identified relevant district findings follows first petitioner aware committed murders second aware executed third aware reason state given execution commission crimes question circuit precedent ends analysis matter law appeals regards three factual findings necessarily demonstrating prisoner aware reason execution appeals concluded standard foreclosed petitioner establishing incompetency means seeks employ showing mental illness obstructs rational understanding state reason execution explained ecause hold term used ford necessarily synonymous understanding argued petitioner conclude district findings sufficient establish petitioner competent executed view appeals standard restrictive afford prisoner protections granted eighth amendment opinions ford must acknowledged set forth precise standard competency plurality discussed substantive standard high level generality justice powell wrote articulated specific criteria yet portion justice marshall discussion constituting opinion portion justice powell joined majority reach express conclusion constitution places substantive restriction state power take life insane prisoner ford stated foundation principle follows oday less may seriously question retributive value executing person comprehension singled stripped fundamental right life similarly natural abhorrence civilized societies feel killing one capacity come grips conscience deity still vivid today intuition execution simply humanity evidently shared across nation faced widespread evidence restriction upon sovereign power compelled conclude eighth amendment prohibits state carrying sentence death upon prisoner insane writing four justices justice marshall concluded indicating eighth amendment prohibits execution one whose mental illness prevents comprehending reasons penalty implications justice powell separate opinion asserted eighth amendment forbids execution unaware punishment suffer suffer appeals standard treats prisoner delusional belief system irrelevant prisoner knows state identified crimes reason execution see supp indicating circuit precedent petitioner delusional beliefs even may result fundamental failure appreciate connection petitioner crime execution bear question whether petitioner reason execution purposes eighth amendment see also yet ford opinions nowhere indicate delusions irrelevant comprehen sion aware ness impair prisoner concept reality reach rational understanding reason execution anything ford majority suggests opposite explaining prohibition executing prisoner lost sanity justice marshall controlling portion opinion set forth various rationales including recognition execution insane person simply offends humanity provides example others ibid uncharitable dispatch offender another world capacity fit ibid internal quotation marks omitted madness punishment ibid executing insane person serves retributive purpose considering last whether retribution served might said capital punishment imposed potential make offender recognize last gravity crime allow community whole including surviving family friends victim affirm judgment culpability prisoner serious ultimate penalty must sought imposed potential prisoner recognition severity offense objective community vindication called question however prisoner mental state distorted mental illness awareness crime punishment little relation understanding concepts shared community whole problem necessarily overcome test set forth appeals met similar logic rationales set forth ford fail align distinctions drawn appeals whether ford inquiry competency formulated question prisoner ability comprehen reasons punishment determination whether unaware suffer approach taken appeals inconsistent ford principles set forth ford put risk rule deems delusions relevant respect state announced reason punishment fact imminent execution see opposed real interests state seeks vindicate likewise find support elsewhere ford including discussions common law state standards proposition prisoner automatically foreclosed demonstrating incompetency found identify stated reason execution prisoner awareness state rationale execution rational understanding ford foreclose inquiry latter deny fact concept like rational understanding difficult define must ignore concern prisoners whose cases implicated decision fail understand punished account reasons stemming severe mental illness mental state requisite competence suffer capital punishment neither presumes requires person considered normal even rational layperson understanding terms someone condemned death atrocious murder may callous unrepentant devoid compassion lack sense guilt adept transferring blame others considered least colloquial sense touch reality mind even extreme compared criminal population large petitioner contends lie threshold competence inquiry beginning doubt competence case like petitioner misanthropic personality amoral character psychotic disorder petitioner submission suffers severe documented mental illness source gross delusions preventing comprehending meaning purpose punishment sentenced argument hold considered flaws appeals test pronounced petitioner case circuit precedent required district disregard evidence psychological dysfunction words judge may resulted petitioner fundamental failure appreciate connection petitioner crime execution supp refuse consider evidence nature mistake ford holding logic gross delusions stemming severe mental disorder may put awareness link crime punishment context far removed reality punishment serve proper purpose therefore error derive ford substantive standard incompetency opinions broadly identify strict test competency treats delusional beliefs irrelevant prisoner aware state identified link crime punishment inflicted although reject standard followed appeals attempt set rule governing competency determinations record informative might even narrower issue mental illness sort alleged petitioner might affect analysis overseeing development record making factual findings district found bound analyze question competency terms set circuit precedent acknowledged example difficult issue posed delusions allegedly interfering petitioner understanding reason behind execution supp refrained making definitive findings fact respect matters see see also identifying testimony mark cunningham indicating petitioner believes state league forces evil conspired result even understand state texas lawfully constituted authority refraining setting forth definitive findings fact concerning whether accurate characterization petitioner mindset district declined consider significance findings might ultimate question competency eighth amendment see ibid disregarding cunningham testimony light circuit precedent notwithstanding numerous questions district asked witnesses see app press experts difficult issue identified opinion see ibid district course bound circuit precedent record developed pursuant standard found improper result find difficult amplify conclusions make precise also hesitant decide question complexity district appeals addressed definitive manner light expert evidence found probative nature severity petitioner alleged mental problems underpinnings petitioner claims explained evaluated detail remand conclusions physicians psychiatrists experts field bear upon proper analysis expert evidence may clarify extent severe delusions may render subject perception reality distorted deemed incompetent cf brief american psychological association et al amici curiae discussing ways mental health experts inform competency determinations precedent guide conducting eighth amendment analysis see roper simmons atkins virginia ford proper allow charged overseeing development evidentiary record case initial opportunity resolve petitioner constitutional claim issues may resolved first instance district judgment appeals reversed case remanded proceedings consistent opinion ordered scott louis panetti petitioner nathaniel quarterman director texas department criminal justice correctional institutions division writ certiorari appeals fifth circuit june justice thomas chief justice justice scalia justice alito join dissenting scott panetti mental problems date least panetti mental illness may make sympathetic figure state federal courts repeatedly held competent face consequences two murders committed competency hearing prior trial jury determined panetti competent stand trial judge determined panetti competent represent trial jury rejected panetti insanity defense supported testimony two psychiatrists since trial state federal habeas courts rejected panetti claims incompetent stand trial incompetent waive right counsel case simple panetti brings claim ford wainwright incompetent executed presented first time panetti second federal habeas application claim undisputedly meet statutory requirements filing second successive habeas application panetti habeas application must dismissed ignoring clear statutory mandate bends backwards allow panetti bring ford claim despite evidence condition worsened even changed since along way improperly refuses defer state finding competency even though panetti opportunity submit evidence respond experts report moreover without undertaking even cursory eighth amendment analysis imposes new standard determining incompetency respectfully dissent antiterrorism effective death penalty act aedpa requires applicants receive permission appeals prior filing second successive federal habeas applications even permission sought aedpa requires courts decline requests two narrow circumstances panetti raised ford claim first time second federal habeas application ante admits seek authorization appeals claim satisfy either statutory exceptions accordingly requires dismissal panetti second habeas corpus application reaches contrary conclusion reasoning aedpa phrase second successive takes full meaning case law including decisions predating enactment aedpa ante citing slack mcdaniel fails identify case defines explains modifies phrase second successive identify case subsequent habeas application challenging judgment considered anything second successive knowledge cases aedpa enactment phrase second successive meant thing today subsequent federal habeas application challenging judgment previously challenged federal habeas application see kuhlmann wilson plurality opinion barefoot estelle prior aedpa however second successive habeas applications always dismissed rather abuse writ doctrine allowed courts entertain second successive applications certain circumstances see rule ed second successive petition may dismissed new different grounds alleged judge finds failure petitioner assert grounds prior petition constituted abuse writ mccleskey zant kuhlmann supra plurality opinion barefoot supra consistent practice prior aedpa federal courts treated ford claims raised subsequent habeas applications second successive usually allowed claims proceed abuse writ see martin dugger supp sd permitting ford claim raised second habeas petition ecause ford substantial change constitutional law prisoner unaware legal significance relevant facts barnard collins shaw delo supp ed mo johnson cabana supp sd miss still though least one found ford claim raised subsequent application abuse writ rector lockhart supp ed ark enacted aedpa congress restrict ed availability relief habeas petitioners placed new limits successive petitions felker turpin instead judicial discretion governed second successive habeas applications prior aedpa congress required dismissal second successive applications except two specified circumstances aedpa thus eliminated much discretion previously saved second successive habeas petitions dismissal stating ha declined interpret successive referring applications filed second successively time ante relies upon stewart held subsequent application raising ford claim go forward case however applicant raised ford claim initial habeas application district dismissed unripe refusing treat applicant subsequent application second successive simply held second application renewed ford claim originally presented prior application may second time respondent asked federal courts provide relief ford claim mean two separate applications second necessarily subject one application habeas relief district ruled ruled claim time became ripe respondent entitled adjudication claims presented earlier undoubtedly reviewable application federal habeas relief words held applicant raises ford claim initial habeas application bar second application claim ripens second application continuation first application cf burton stewart slip per curiam nlike burton prisoner attempted bring claim initial habeas petition apply panetti bring ford claim initial habeas argue time claim ripe first habeas petition may raised later habeas petition unanimously rejected argument burton stewart supra burton petitioner filed federal habeas petition challenging convictions challenging sentence time still review state courts state courts rejected sentencing claims petitioner filed second federal habeas petition time challenging sentence ninth circuit held burton second petition second successive aedpa reason ing burton exhausted sentencing claims state filed first petition ripe federal habeas review time slip internal quotation marks omitted ninth circuit found second petition foreclosed aedpa since claim ripe raised first petition ibid rejected ninth circuit view held aedpa barred burton second petition light burton simply maintained panetti excused requirements solely ford claim unripe included first habeas application today decision thus stands proposition ford claims somehow deserve special unjustified exemption statute plain import neither aedpa text precedent aedpa jurisprudence supports understanding second successive falls back judicial economy considerations suggests interpretation statute create incentive every prisoner regardless mental state raise preserve ford claim event prisoner later becomes insane ante even comes pass catastrophe suggests district courts simply dismiss unripe ford claims outright habeas applicants raise subsequent petitions safe harbor established requiring ford claims included initial habeas application added benefit putting state notice prisoner intends challenge competency executed event regardless whether concern justified judicial economy considerations override aedpa plain meaning remaining faithful aedpa mandate dismiss panetti application second successive ii also errs holding state unreasonably applied clearly established precedent failing afford panetti adequate procedural protections ante panetti entitled habeas relief proceedings resulted decision contrary involved unreasonable application clearly established federal law determined even justice powell concurrence ford qualifies clearly established federal law point state unreasonably apply procedural rights described ford triggered upon substantial threshold showing insanity powell concurring part concurring judgment plurality opinion using term high threshold following independent review record ante majority finds panetti made satisfactory threshold showing conclusion insupportable panetti filed two exhibits renewed motion determine competency state see scott panetti renewed motion determine competency executed cause gillespie jud hereinafter renewed motion first letter cunningham panetti counsel describing preliminary evaluation panetti letter mark cunningham michael gross app far containing pointed observations ante cunningham letter unsworn contains diagnosis discuss whether panetti understood executed ibid panetti exhibit declaration law professor attended cunningham meeting panetti declaration david dow professor dow obviously made medical diagnosis simply discussed lay perception panetti mental condition cursory manner ibid describes dow expert ante law professors obviously experts comes medical psychological diagnoses panetti renewed motion attached medical reports records sworn testimony medical professional diagnosis medical condition claims panetti referred extensive evidence mental dysfunction considered earlier legal proceedings ibid federal district noted panetti merely outlined mental health history time period order case evidence previously rejected state federal courts adjudicated panetti incompetency claims relevance panetti competency executed filed renewed motion ibid addition utter lack new medical evidence layperson observed panetti basis prison guards fellow inmates submitted affidavit even letter short panetti supported alleged incompetency preliminary observations psychologist lawyer whose contact panetti single meeting absurd suggest quantum evidence clears high threshold entitling claimants procedural protections described plurality justice powell ford plurality opinion see also powell concurring part concurring judgment determined panetti evidence exceeded high threshold set forth ford asserts ford requires allow prisoner counsel opportunity make adequate response evidence solicited state ante citing ford supra powell concurring part concurring judgment justice powell concurrence prisoner right present evidence impartial decisionmaker light facts ford becomes obvious case texas satisfied obligations justice powell described florida law issue ford governor made final decision condemned prisoner sanity plurality opinion prisoner submit evidence opportunity heard powell concurring part concurring judgment words florida procedures required neither neutral decisionmaker opportunity prisoner present evidence backdrop justice powell concurrence due process requires impartial decisionmaker chance present evidence state provide impartial officer board receive evidence argument prisoner counsel including expert psychiatric evidence may differ state psychiatric examination setting forth minimal procedural protections justice powell explained eyond basic requirements substantial leeway determine process best balances various interests stake ibid justice powell stressed ordinary adversarial procedures necessarily best means arriving sound consistent judgments defendant sanity considered panetti insanity claim state clearly satisfied justice powell requirement provide impartial officer board sole remaining question whether state receive evidence argument prisoner counsel including expert psychiatric evidence may differ state psychiatric examination ibid outset discussion suggests texas entitled substantial leeway determining procedures appropriate see ford supra powell concurring part concurring judgment texas may violat ed procedural framework texas mandated adjudication incompetency claims ante sole support assertion strong argument violated state law failing provide competency hearing ibid article texas code criminal procedure provides right competency hearing determination whether appoint experts conduct hearing article within discretion trial ex parte caldwell tex crim app contrary statement ante discretion depend whether substantial showing incompetency made see caldwell supra accordingly basis denying texas substantial leeway ford grants texas law allows prisoners submit affidavits records evidence supporting defendant allegations defendant presently incompetent executed tex code crim proc art vernon supp pamphlet therefore state law provided panetti legal right submit whatever evidence wanted clear state stood ready willing consider evidence panetti wished submit record state proceedings shows panetti took full advantage opportunity example experts presented report state gave panetti chance respond app panetti filed brief objecting report arguing problems objections experts report app extensive consideration panetti submitted evidence necessary submissions statements one doctor one lawyer paltry unpersuasive evidence presented warrant extensive examination change fact panetti unlimited opportunity submit evidence state based panetti evidence report experts panetti objections report state found efendant failed show preponderance evidence incompetent executed given panetti meager evidentiary submissions unsurprising state declined proceed asserts order issued state implied determination petitioner competency improperly made solely basis examinations performed psychiatrists appointed ante however order focus report experts indicates found report persuasive app supported persuasive report two neutral experts reasonably concluded panetti meager evidence deserved mention see part supra view state fairly implemented procedures described justice powell opinion ford receive evidence argument prisoner counsel least state unreasonably apply concurrence see dispute panetti unlimited opportunity present evidence argues state failed provide petitioner adequate opportunity submit expert evidence response report filed experts ante according opportunity denied panetti state failed rule explicitly motions failed warn receive evidentiary position factual basis experts submitted report state made clear case proceeding conclusion panetti counsel needed submit anything else wanted judge consider appears evaluations performed mary anderson george parker opinion panetti competent executed accordance standards set art code criminal procedure mr gross matters wish considered please file case papers get copies may letter district judge stephen ables cause may app panetti counsel got message far assuming hearing ante counsel renewed motion requesting competency hearing motion seeking state funding mental health expert app panetti filing indicates understood hearing currently scheduled wanted convince state deny relief needed immediately see record demonstrates panetti actually sought opportunity submit additional evidence time evidence submit state funding pursuit evidence see ex parte motion prepayment funds hire mental health expert assist defense article proceedings cause ex parte motion prepayment funds hire investigator assist defense counsel cause defendant motion appointment counsel assist article proceedings cause panetti response show cause order case june cf order case never recognized constitutional right state funding counsel state habeas proceedings much less experts texas law grants right ford proceedings ex parte caldwell tex crim app holding funding counsel experts article proceedings discretion district coleman thompson noting constitutional right counsel state habeas cases short nothing record suggest panetti submitted additional evidence given another opportunity panetti never requested time submit evidence never told wanted submit additional evidence event requests fees denied panetti track record submitting new evidence first article motion supra two insubstantial exhibits second part supra suggests highly unlikely panetti planned present anything else accordingly proceedings evaluate panetti insanity claim contrary unreasonable application clearly established federal law state unreasonably apply justice powell procedural analysis must defer determination panetti competent executed see thus panetti entitled federal habeas relief state determination competent executed contrary involved unreasonable application precedent based unreasonable determination facts light evidence presented state proceeding even panetti argues standard met applying justice powell substantive standard competency state determined panetti competent executed app see also tex code crim proc art factual determination presumed correct factual determination based expert report two doctors almost evidence contrary see part supra hence panetti entitled federal habeas relief iii lack jurisdiction aedpa consider panetti claim even jurisdiction proper state decision constitutes reasonable application federal law address whether appeals standard insanity substantively correct however reject approach answering question parses opinions ford impose additional constitutional requirement without undertaking eighth amendment analysis quibbles precise meaning ford opinions respect issue presented case emerges holding leaves details insanity standard district work see ante sole justification thrusting already muddled ford determinations disarray asserts ford compels result plurality ford define insanity create substantive standard determining competency see powell concurring part concurring judgment stating opinion address meaning insanity justice powell concurrence set forth standard state disputes need require executed know fact impending execution reason standard appropriately defines kind mental deficiency trigger eighth amendment prohibition defendant perceives connection crime punishment retributive goal criminal law satisfied defendant aware death approaching prepare passing accordingly hold eighth amendment forbids execution unaware punishment suffer suffer issue ford actual knowledge rational understanding nothing ford opinions addresses prisoner knows reason execution rationally understand tracing language justice powell concurrence appeals held panetti needed stated reason execution panetti dretke implicitly appeals also concluded fact panetti disbelieves state stated reason executing panetti dretke supp wd tex render unaware reason execution challenges approach based expansive interpretation justice powell use word aware ante however deny awareness undefined ford ford discuss whether delusions impair prisoner concept reality reach rational understanding reason execution affect awareness constitutionally relevant ante nevertheless cobbles together stray language ford multiple opinions asserts appeals test somehow inconsistent spirit ford result follow naturally ford today opinion understood holding first time eighth amendment requires rational understanding although apparently imposing new substantive eighth amendment requirement assiduously avoids applying framework analyzing eighth amendment claims see ford supra first analyzing whether execution insane among modes acts punishment considered cruel unusual time bill rights adopted roper simmons considering also whether punishment deemed cruel unusual according modern standards decency atkins virginia looking objective evidence contemporary values clearest reliable legislation enacted country legislatures internal quotation marks omitted likely avoided undertaking analysis evidence support see scalia dissenting discussing demanding standard employed common law show prisoner insane executed appeals least took approach based ford actually says approach far frivolous unreasonable contrast approach today settling upon preferred outcome without resort law foreign judicial role know ruling misinterprets aedpa refuses defer state aedpa requires rejects appeals approach without constitutional analysis respectfully dissent footnotes section claim presented second successive habeas corpus application section presented prior application shall dismissed unless applicant shows claim relies new rule constitutional law made retroactive cases collateral review previously unavailable factual predicate claim discovered previously exercise due diligence ii facts underlying claim proven viewed light evidence whole sufficient establish clear convincing evidence constitutional error reasonable factfinder found applicant guilty underlying offense identifies two cases ante citing slack mcdaniel stewart cases decided aedpa establish meaning second successive moreover cases apply inapplicability discussed infra like narrow exception described slack akin renewal initial application see infra discussing even maintain slack applies panetti claim asserts second successive term art excepted ford claims difficult explain immediately following aedpa passage courts appeals uniformly considered subsequent applications raising ford claims second successive see medina per curiam davis see also stewart per curiam finding applicable allowing ford claim proceed presented initial habeas application courts appeals uniformly continue hold applies successive habeas applications raising ford claims initial application failed see richardson johnson provenzano nguyen gibson per curiam claims suggest appropriate general matter prisoner wait seeking resolution incompetency claim ante suggest thing contrary admits determine whether prisoner even allowed bring ford claim waits bring second petition ante citing supra reach tenuous conclusion justice powell opinion constitutes clearly established federal law ante ignores tension justice powell concern adversarial proceedings may counterproductive plurality position adversarial proceedings required compare ford wainwright powell concurring part concurring judgment stating ordinary adversarial procedures complete live testimony oral argument counsel necessarily best means arriving sound consistent judgments defendant sanity plurality opinion discussing importance adversarial procedures including given contradictory statements difficult say justice powell opinion merely narrower version plurality view see marks application panetti second bite apple state question competency executed panetti previously presented ford claim state documents accompanied filing contained nothing relate current mental state order case wd result state denied relief without hearing ante federal district found error determination order case argues trial appointment mental health experts pursuant article confirmed panetti made threshold showing ante state made finding may proceeded simply abundance caution perhaps humor federal district stay ed execution days allow state reasonable period time consider evidence panetti current mental state order case app event question today whether panetti met texas threshold whether met constitutional one avoid answering question relying related determination panetti counsel reached reasonable conclusion allegations warranted response ante fails note brief response apart motions panetti never requested opportunity respond panetti criticized experts visiting conducting psychological testing failing review collateral information adequately failing take account history mental problems abbreviated nature conclusions objections experts report renewed motion funds hire expert investigator renewed motion competency hearing cause gillespie jud may app hereinafter objection experts report assert panetti actually constitutional right evidentiary hearing motions granted discussed justice powell concurrence specifically rejected ford plurality contention adversarial proceeding constitutionally required even appropriate part supra even cursory look panetti motions shows state err refusing grant never recognized right experts counsel state habeas review cf ex parte motion prepayment funds hire mental health expert assist defense article proceedings cause app defendant motion appointment counsel assist article proceedings ex parte motion prepayment funds hire investigator assist defense counsel cause likewise right transcribed proceedings videotaped examinations specific protocols conducting competency evaluations cf motion videotape competency examinations scott panetti conducted mental health experts cause motion transcribe proceedings related competency determination article cause motion seeking order setting protocol conducting competency evaluations scott panetti cause discussed panetti clearly established constitutional right formal oral hearing part supra much less right discovery cf defendant motion discovery cause motion ensure article final competency hearing comports procedural due process requirements ford cause app fails identify bona fide constitutional violation provides laundry list perceived deficiencies proceedings ante appears state repeated occasions conveyed information petitioner counsel turned true provided least one significant update state without providing notice petitioner failed general keep petitioner informed opportunity present case state request name mental health experts parties ultimately chose experts without input parties ante canceled status conference failed give panetti notice ante also never explicitly ruled panetti motions despite statements later ante panetti argue experts impartial explain canceled status conference caused harm finally although might better state rule explicitly panetti outstanding motions implicitly denied dismissing claim state failure keep petitioner informed experts report issued judge sent letter counsel made clear panetti one last chance submit information app short none perceived deficiencies qualifies violation clearly established federal law justice marshall plurality opinion ford even go far state uniform national substantive standard insanity thus open question much discretion setting substantive standard insanity points ford opinions nowhere indicate delusions irrelevant sion ness impair prisoner concept reality reach rational understanding reason execution ante token nowhere ford opinions suggested comprehen sion aware ness necessarily affected delusions impair prisoner refuses acknowledge ford simply resolve question one way contrary suggestion state factual record genuine impediment analyzing constitutional question see ante eighth amendment framework requires relatively academic abstract analysis specific facts regarding panetti condition simply irrelevant eighth amendment requires