U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, 2016

In Re: Frederick Howell v.

In Re: Frederick Howell v.
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit · Decided September 16, 2016 · Traxler, Agee, Thacker
668 F. App'x 540

In Re: Frederick Howell v.

Opinion

Unpublished opinions are not binding precedent in this circuit.

PER CURIAM:

Frederick L. Howell petitions for a writ of mandamus and prohibition seeking an order compelling the United States Attorney for the District of South Carolina to prosecute the attorney who represented Howell in Howell’s criminal prosecution. We conclude that Howell is not entitled to mandamus relief.

Mandamus relief is a drastic remedy and should be used only in extraordinary circumstances. Kerr v. U.S. Dist. Court, 426 U.S. 394, 402, 96 S.Ct. 2119, 48 L.Ed.2d 725 (1976); United States v. Moussaoui, 333 F.3d 509, 516-17 (4th Cir. 2003). Further, mandamus relief is available only when the petitioner has a clear right to the relief sought. Cumberland Hosp. Sys., Inc. v. Burwell, 816 F.3d 48, 52 (4th Cir. 2016).

Howell has not shown the existence of an extraordinary circumstance, nor has he shown that he has a clear right to the relief he seeks. Accordingly, we deny the petition for writ of mandamus and prohibition. We dispense with oral argument because the facts and legal contentions are adequately presented in the materials before this court and argument would not aid the decisional process.

PETITION DENIED

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