Skinner v. Switzer
A plain-English summary from Criminal Defense Resources™, a free resource for pro per/pro se defendants and their families.
General educational information, not legal advice. Not a law firm. This page describes what a court decided in general terms. It does not tell you what to do in any case.
- Court
- U.S. Supreme Court
- Decided
- Citation
- 562 U.S. 521 (2011)
- Topics
- DNA Evidence & Testing
What did the court decide?
The Court held that a convicted prisoner seeking DNA testing of crime-scene evidence may bring that claim as a federal civil rights lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. section 1983, rather than only through habeas corpus.
Why does it matter?
It explains one procedural path that can be used to ask for DNA testing after a conviction.
Where can I read the full opinion?
Read the full opinion on Cornell Law School LII →
Always read the full opinion and check whether later cases have limited or changed it. A summary can leave out important details.
Related rulings
General educational information, not legal advice. Not a law firm.