Can a federal court grant habeas corpus relief for alleged errors in the interpretation or application of sentencing laws by a state court?

First, federal habeas corpus relief is unavailable for alleged errors in the interpretation or application of state sentencing laws by a state court. See Richmond v. Lewis, 506 U.S. 40, 50 (1992) (the question to be decided by a federal court on petition for habeas corpus is not whether the state committed state-law error but whether the state court's action was "so arbitrary or capricious" as to constitute an independent violation of the federal constitution). Thus, insofar as petitioner asserts that the state courts erred in applying Cal. Penal Code 667.61, his claim is not cognizable under AEDPA.