In Re David L. Watson, Petitioner, 870 F.2d 656 (4th Cir. 1989)

David L. Watson, a West Virginia prisoner, petitions this Court for a writ of mandamus directing West Virginia Circuit Judge Jack R. Nuzum to reduce his sentence. We grant Watson's request for leave to proceed in forma pauperis but deny the petition. This Court has no authority to issue a writ of mandamus compelling a state court judge to reduce a sentence. See Davis v. Lansing, 851 F.2d 72, 74 (2d Cir. 1988); Gurley v. Court of Mecklenburg County, 411 F.2d 586, 587 (4th Cir. 1969).

PETITION DENIED.