The August opinion-filing bonanza continues.
On Monday morning, the Supreme Court will file its opinions in People v. Esquivias, People v. Lightsey, and People v. Pearson. (Briefs here and here; oral argument videos here, here, and here.)
As summarized by court staff, the issue in Esquivias is: “Does the issuance of an order to show cause to review one aspect of a defendant’s sentence in habeas corpus proceedings render applicable all ameliorative laws taking effect after the defendant’s judgment became final?” The court granted review in October 2024. More about the case here and here. Fourth District, Division Three, Justice Martha Gooding is the pro tem.
Lightsey is an automatic direct appeal from a February 2015 judgment of death. Unlike in discretionary review cases, the court’s website does not list issues for death penalty appeals. Counsel was appointed in March 2018. Briefing was completed in February 2024. Fifth District Justice Jennifer Detjen is the pro tem.
Pearson is also an automatic direct appeal from a judgment of death, this one entered in June 2013. Counsel was appointed in May 2014. Initial briefing was completed in January 2016. Defense counsel withdrew and new counsel was appointed in December 2018. Supplemental briefing was completed in December 2025. First District, Division Five, Presiding Justice Teri Jackson is the pro tem.
Esquivias and Lightsey will be the last opinions for the six late-May calendar cases. Pearson will be the third of six June calendar cases to be decided; opinions in the remaining three are due by August 31.
The Esquivias, Lightsey, and Pearson opinions can be viewed Monday starting at 10:00 a.m.
