This educational guide is based on the linked primary sources. It is not a Court publication, is not affiliated with the Court, and is not legal advice.
In brief
Overview
Background and question before the Court
Justice Ginsburg asked what type of jurisdiction was being discussed.
Justice Scalia asked whether the rule could be waived.
Justice Alito asked how one would find out when a case was entered on the docket.
What each side argues
Petitioner (Keith Bowles)
The petitioner argues that equitable tolling and waiver exceptions apply to the deadline, and that a judge’s specific assurance permits reopening the case.
Respondent (Harry Russell, Warden)
Source-limited. The record does not yet support a complete account.
What happened at oral argument
Justice Ginsburg asked what type of jurisdiction was being discussed.
Justice Scalia asked whether the rule could be waived.
Justice Alito asked how one would find out when a case was entered on the docket.
What the Court decided
Why it matters
Terms to know
No glossary terms are available for this guide.
Primary sources
Read the source materials on the official site or open the immutable repository copy used for this guide.
- 7f245a1dd319c031fdf8-r1-fa5493e9c2c488a7.pdforal argument transcript
Guide generated September 22, 2026. Automated validation accepted this version.