Tactical decisions by counsel about whether to tender a psychological report, whether to call the offender or family members as witnesses, and whether to seek a pre-sentence report, made within the scope of professional duty, do not constitute incompetence giving rise to miscarriage of justice. The utilitarian value of a guilty plea is significantly eroded where the offender pleads guilty shortly after the trial date, subsequently disputes the facts, and abandons the factual dispute on the day of the hearing after witnesses have attended court.
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