Around the blogosphere

Lots of interesting items to be found around the blogosphere.  Let's go alphabetically:

• At the ACSBlog, this post by Michael Mannheimer asks, "Is Alito the State's Advocate in Criminal Cases?"

• At PrawfsBlawg, this post by Will Baude follows up on this debate over a special capital court and also has some interesting comments about the President's pardon power.

• At SCOTUSblog, this post does a great job previewing the habeas case that SCOTUS will hear on Monday.

• At SW Virginia law blog, this post discusses and reflects on a notable recent application of a federal mandatory sentencing term.