Clearly established law

Definition

Under AEDPA, a legal principle that has been repeatedly recognized by the Supreme Court as settled constitutional doctrine. A state court decision violates clearly established law if it applies the law in a manner contrary to Supreme Court precedent, but disagreement with that precedent is not enough to grant habeas relief.

Examples

• •Pitchford argues that Batson v. Kentucky establishes clearly established law prohibiting race-based peremptory strikes, and the state court's application of a procedural waiver rule conflicts with that law.

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