Donald Herb Johnson v. Laura Plappert, Warden

May the merits panel of a federal appellate court expand a certificate of appealability only if the “opposing party” assents to it?

If the last state court decision’s reasoning is discernable, is AEDPA deference due to alternative arguments that the state court never considered or adopted?

Does a general understanding of the consequences of pleading guilty suffice to establish a constitutionally-valid plea, or must the record evidence a knowing waiver of the three rights identified in Boykin: the right to trial by jury, the right to confront accusers, and the privilege against self-incrimination? Does the Miranda warning adequately advise a defendant about the privilege against self-incrimination at trial, for purposes of a guilty plea?