Jessie Dotson v. State of Tennessee (Denial of Appellate Remedy)

Style: Jessie Dotson v. State of Tennessee

TSC Docket Number: W2019-01059-SC-R11-PD

Court of Criminal Appeals Opinion: https://www.tncourts.gov/sites/default/files/dotsonjessieopn_0.pdf

Summary by the Court of Criminal Appeals:

The Petitioner, Jessie Dotson, appeals the post-conviction court’s denial of his postconviction petition, in which he challenged his six convictions for first degree premeditated murder and three convictions for attempted first degree murder and his resulting sentences of death for each of the first degree murder convictions plus 120 years. On appeal, the Petitioner contends that (1) he received ineffective assistance of counsel at trial and on appeal; (2) the Administrative Office of the Courts (“AOC”) and the Chief Justice of the Tennessee Supreme Court improperly vacated the post-conviction court’s orders granting the Petitioner’s request for funding of experts; (3) the convictions and death sentences were the result of juror misconduct; (4) the State and the trial court committed various errors; (5) the Petitioner’s convictions and death sentences and Tennessee’s execution method are unconstitutional; and (6) cumulative error warrants relief. Upon reviewing the record, the parties’ briefs and oral arguments, and the applicable law, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.

Permission to Appeal Granted: October 25, 2022

Appellants’ Briefs Filed: January 27, 2023

Appellees’ Briefs Filed: February 27, 2023

Appellants’ Reply Brief Filed:

Appellees’ Reply Brief Filed:

Amicus Briefs Permitted:  

Oral Argument Date: April 5, 2023

Link to Oral Argument Video:  

Date of TSC Opinion:  

Opinion of the TSC: 

TSC Summary of the Opinion: