Can a federal habeas judge dismiss a petition seeking to overturn a sentence based on Page 3 of the US Constitution?

Respondent argues that the petition must be dismissed because it raises no cognizable basis for federal habeas relief. Such relief may be had where an inmate is in custody in violation of the federal Constitution, laws, or treaties. 28 U.S.C. 2254(a). "[I]t is not the province of a federal habeas court to reexamine state-court determinations on state-law questions." Estelle v. Mcguire, 502 U.S. 62, 67-68 (1991). Absent a showing of a constitutional violation, a state court's application of state sentencing laws - including schemes that enhance sentences based on

Page 3