Thornton v. Warden of Maryland Penitentiary

Per Curiam. William Thornton filed a petition under the Post Conviction Procedure Act in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County. Counsel was appointed for him by the court; a hearing was held before Judges Anderson and Mathias; he was present and testified in his own behalf. His petition was denied in a memorandum and order filed on September 10, 1965.

He seeks leave to appeal to this Court on the following grounds: 1. The trial, conviction and subsequent sentence were the result of denial of rights deemed fundamental by both Federal and State Constitutions. 2. Petitioner’s arrest was illegal. 3. The State offered no proof of petitioner’s guilt. 4.

The jury selection procedure prejudiced the petitioner. 5. Petitioner’s court-appointed attorney was incompetent. 6. Petitioner has not heard from the Court of Appeals in regard to his appeal. 7. Identification of petitioner was insufficient. 8.

The court erred in permitting testimony by a co-defendant. 9. The setting of high bail prejudiced the petitioner. 10. Petitioner was convicted while co-defendants were not convicted. 11. Co-defendants received lesser sentences.

We find no merit in any of the above contentions. As to petitioner’s first contention, a bald assertion of denial of constitutional rights without specification affords no ground for re ⁷¹⁷ lief. His second contention likewise can afford him no post