Anthony M. Givings, Petitioner-appellant, v. R. Michael Cody, Respondent-appellee, 73 F.3d 373 (10th Cir. 1996)

ORDER AND JUDGMENT¹ 

LOGAN, Judge

After examining the briefs and appellate record, this panel has determined unanimously that oral argument would not materially assist the determination of this appeal. See Fed. R. App. P. 34(a); 10th Cir. R. 34.1.9. The case is therefore ordered sub-mitted without oral argument. We grant a certificate of probable cause and right to proceed in forma pauperis in order to reach the merits of the appeal.

Petitioner Anthony M. Givings, a state prisoner, filed a pro se petition for a writ of habeas corpus pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 2254. He contends that his trial and appellate counsel were constitutionally inadequate based upon trial counsel's failure to preserve or object and appellate counsel's failure to pursue on appeal certain alleged issues, principally concerning his claim that he stabbed the victim in self-defense. He also argues that the district court abused its discretion in not appointing counsel to represent him in this postconviction proceeding.

We hold that the district court did not abuse its discretion in failing to appoint counsel to represent petitioner in his postconviction proceedings. There is no constitutional right to counsel in postconviction proceedings. Coleman v. Thompson, 501 U.S. 722, 752 (1991); McClesky v. Zant, 499 U.S. 467, 495 (1991). A review of the contentions and the entire record convinces us that an attorney would not be able to present any better arguments than those made by petitioner.

The facts and law applicable to this case are accurately discussed in the magistrate judge's Second Supplemental Findings and Recommendation of April 7, 1995, which was adopted by the district court. We AFFIRM for substantially the reasons stated therein.

AFFIRMED.

The mandate shall issue forthwith.