On September 1, 2011 the 9th Circuit panel (3-0) reversed a conviction on grounds the judge issued an improper jury instruction. Another habeas corpus reversal of a state court. On September 27, 2011 the court issued an order, signed by only two of the three judge panel, as follows:
“The opinion filed on September 1, 2011 is hereby WITHDRAWN. The panel will issue a new opinion in due course. No petitions for rehearing or rehearing en banc will be entertained as to the withdrawn opinion. The parties will be afforded a renewed opportunity to file petitions for rehearing or rehearing en banc after the issuance of a new opinion.”
Not any explanation for this unilateral withdrawal.
Although not a precedent, the original opinion was another attempt to avoid AEDPA on grounds of due process. The Supreme Court has already condemned this practice.