Document: 520 U.S. 305117 S.Ct. 1295137 L.Ed.2d 513 Walker L. CHANDLER, et al., Petitioners,v.Zell D. MILLER, Governor of Georgia, al. No. 96-126. Supreme Court the United States Argued Jan. 14, 1997. Decided April 15, Syllabus * A Georgia statute requires candidates for designated state offices to certify that they have taken a urinalysis drug test within 30 days prior qualifying nomination or election and result was negative. Petitioners, Libertarian Party nominees subject statute's requirements, filed this action in District about one month before deadline submission certificates. Naming as defendants two officials involved administration, petitioners asserted, inter alia, tests violated their rights under First, Fourth, Fourteenth Amendments Constitution. The denied petitioners' motion preliminary injunction later entered final judgment respondents. Relying on Court's precedents sustaining drug-testing programs student athletes, Vernonia School Dist. 47J v. Acton, 515 ____, 115 2386, 2396-2397, 132 564, Customs Service employees, National Treasury Employees Union Von Raab, 489 656, 659, 109 1384, 1387, 103 685, railway Skinner Railway Labor Executives' Assn., 602, 608-613, 1402, 1408-1411, 639, Eleventh Circuit affirmed. court accepted settled law were searches, but reasoned that, true at issue served "special needs,'' interests other than ordinary needs enforcement. Balancing individual's privacy expectations against State's interest program, held statute, applied petitioners, not inconsistent with Fourth Amendments. Held: Georgia's requirement office pass does fit closely guarded category constitutionally permissible suspicionless searches. Pp. ____-____. (a) It is uncontested requirement, imposed by enforced officials, effects search meaning pivotal question here whether searches are reasonable. To be reasonable Amendment, ordinarily must based individualized suspicion wrongdoing. See Vernonia, U.S., S.Ct., 2391. But particularized exceptions main rule sometimes warranted needs, beyond normal need enforcement.'' Skinner, 619, 1414. When such needs'' alleged, courts undertake context-specific inquiry, examining competing private public advanced parties. 665-666, 1390-1391. In evaluating ballot-access, statute-a measure plainly tied suspicion-the sought balance line most immediately point: Vernonia. (b) These remain guides assessing validity despite respondents' invitation apply framework extraordinarily deferential measures setting conditions candidacy office. No precedent suggests sovereign power establish qualifications diminishes constraints Amendment. (c) testing method relatively noninvasive; therefore, if need'' showing had been made, State could faulted excessive intrusion. However, has failed show special substantial-important enough override acknowledged interest, sufficiently vital suppress Amendment's suspicion. Respondents contend unlawful use incompatible holding high because draws into an official's integrity; jeopardizes discharge functions, including antidrug enforcement efforts; undermines confidence trust elected officials. Notably lacking presentation any indication concrete danger demanding departure from rule. enacted, respondents concede, response fear demonstrated problem abuse, while all cases necessary regime, see 673-675, 1395, would shore up assertion general 606-608, 1407-1408, ____. contrast effective regimes upheld certification well designed identify who violate laws credible means deter illicit users seeking date selected candidate, thus prohibitively addicted abstain pretest period sufficient avoid detection. Respondents' reliance decision which sustained program officers promotion transfer certain high-risk positions, absence documented abuse among 660, 1388, misplaced. Hardly opening broad vistas Raab read its unique context. Drug interdiction become agency's primary mission. covered posts directly otherwise required carry firearms, employees access vast sources valuable contraband, targets some succumbed bribery smugglers. Moreover, it feasible kind day-to-day scrutiny norm more traditional environments. telling contrast, conduct attracts attention notably work What left, after close review scheme, seeks display commitment struggle abuse. asserts no evidence those typically do perform high-risk, safety-sensitive tasks, aids effort. revealed symbolic, "special.'' Amendment shields society personal symbol's sake. (d) expresses opinion medical examinations provide candidate's health financial disclosure speak sector, domain unguarded constraints. P. 1305. 73 F.3d 1543, reversed. GINSBURG, J., delivered Court, STEVENS, O'CONNOR, SCALIA, KENNEDY, SOUTER, THOMAS, BREYER, JJ., joined. REHNQUIST, C.J., dissenting opinion. Justice GINSBURG Court. 1 government respect " [t]he right people secure persons . unreasonable seizures.'' This restraint generally bars undertaking seizure absent Searches conducted without grounds particular individuals upheld, however, "certain limited circumstances.'' 668, 1392, 685 (1989). circumstances include brief stops questioning observation fixed Border Patrol checkpoint, Martinez-Fuerte, 428 543, 545-550, 566-567, 96 3074, 3077-3079, 3086-3087, 49 1116 (1976), sobriety Michigan Dept. Police Sitz, 496 444, 447, 455, 110 2481, 2483-2484, 2487-2488, 412 (1990), administrative inspections "closely regulated'' businesses, New York Burger, 482 691, 703-704, 107 2636, 2644-2645, 601 (1987). 2 Ga.Code Ann. §21-2-140 (1993) (hereinafter §21-2-140). We confront case ranks warranted. customs ___, 2389, 564 (1995) (random students participate interscholastic sports); 1387 (drug seek positions); 639 (1989) alcohol train accidents safety rules), Appeals judged constitutional. reverse judgment. test, we hold, 3 prescription issue, approved Legislature 1990, orders [e]ach candidate qualify shall condition qualification tested negative illegal drugs.'' §21-2-140(b). first, apparently remains only, test. 4 Under place ballot, present certificate state-approved laboratory, form Secretary State, reporting submitted results §21-2-140(c). lists [i]llegal drug[s]'': marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, phencyclidines. §21-2-140(a)(3). are: "the Governor, Lieutenant Attorney General, Superintendent, Commissioner Insurance, Agriculture, Labor, Justices Judges Appeals, judges superior courts, district attorneys, members General Assembly, Public Commission.'' §21-2-140(a)(4). 5 Candidate administered manner consistent Department Health Human Services Guidelines, 53 Fed.Reg. 11979-11989 (1988), professionally valid procedures Resources. §21-2-140(a)(2). may specimen laboratory physician, App. 4-5 (Joint Statement Undisputed Facts). Once urine sample obtained, determines five specified drugs present, id., 5; §21-2-140(c), prepares candidate. 6 Petitioners 1994 requirements §21-2-140. nominated Chandler Sharon T. Harris James member Assembly. May 1994, certificates §21-2-140, Chandler, Harris, Northern Georgia. They Zell Miller administration requested declaratory injunctive relief barring statute. 7 June injunction. Stressing importance relative unintrusiveness procedure, found unlikely prevail merits claims. Pet. Cert. 5B. tests, obtained appeared ballot. Tr. Oral Arg. 5. After election, parties jointly moved entry stipulated facts. January 1995, 8 divided panel 1543 (1996). law, accepted, rank But, reasoned, serves therefore endeavored ""balance Government's determine [was] impractical require warrant level context.''' F.3d, 1545 (quoting 1391). 9 Examining involved, record Nonetheless, observed, liberty, safety, economic well-being, [and] ultimate responsibility 1546. Consequently, "those vested highest executive authority make policy frequently supervise efforts appreciative perils use.'' Ibid. further noted nature itself demands levels honesty, clear-sightedness, clear-thinking.'' Reciting responsibilities sought, perceived "positions [as] particularly susceptible "risks blackmail Government entitled guard.''' 674, 1395). 10 Turning interests, emphasized making "intrusion even less Raab. '' 1547. also reference federally guidelines. reveal only presence indicia drugs, information Furthermore, control release results: Should positive, he she forfeit opportunity run office, event, nothing divulged Another consideration, said, reality "candidates expect voters demand disclosures physical, emotional, mental fitness position.'' Concluding outweighed intrusion caused certification, Ibid.1 11 Judge Barkett dissented. her view, candidates' appropriate, governmental regime. "There so immediate generalized here,'' "as suspension Id., 1551. 12 granted petition certiorari, 518 117 38, 135 1129 (1996), now reverse.2 II 13 begin our discussion 617, 1413; 36; Brief Amicus Curiae (collection meet "constitutes Amendment'' (internal quotation marks omitted)). As explained government-ordered "collection intrudes upon long recognized reasonable.'' 1413. Because "these intrusions [are] Amendment,'' ibid., focus question: Are reasonable? 14 2399. 1414 omitted). needs''-concerns crime detection-are alleged justification intrusion, 1390-1391; 1392. stated: "In circumstances, where implicated minimal, important furthered placed jeopardy suspicion, suspicion.'' 624, 1417. 15 statute- [State's] interests,''' 665, 1391), decisions inspecting law. 16 concerned Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regulations blood rail accidents; authorized railroads administer breath rules. 608-612, 1408-1410. FRA adopted railroad obvious hazards posed link between drug- alcohol-impaired incidence accidents. 607-608, 1407-1408. Recognizing conspicuously, raised evident concerns, offsetting considerations: reduced intrusiveness collection process, 626, 1418; and, important, "by reason participation industry regulated pervasively ensure safety,'' diminished privacy, 627, 1418. 17 [S]urpassing interests,'' concluded, program. 634, 1422. workers positioned "cause great human loss signs impairment noticeable supervisors.'' 628, 1419. helped obtain invaluable causes major 630, 1420. Testing essential, explained, these served. forecast timing accident violation, events trigger testing. employee's inability detection simply staying drug-free prescribed time significantly enhanced deterrent effect ibid. imposing chaotic aftermath seriously impede employer's ability discern cause accident; indeed, waiting until suspect identified "likely deterioration furnished tests.'' 631, 1421. 18 made positions involving requiring employee firearm. 660-661, 667-677, 1387-1388, 1391-1397.3 While Service's regime prompted problem, developed agency "almost mission,'' "first defense'' smuggling States, id. Work firearm pose grave threats hold expose them large amounts narcotics engaged crime; might unsympathetic mission, tempted bribes, threatened blackmail. 668-671, 1392-1394. "compelling'' assuring users. 670-671, 1393-1394. Individualized setting, determined, "not [these] product environments.'' 1395. 19 Finally, random school athletic competitions. program's context critical, local governments bear "responsibilities, system, guardian tutor children entrusted care.'' 2396. An "immediate crisis,'' 2405, "a sharp increase use'' district, 2388, sparked installation findings established athletes "among users,'' "leaders culture.'' 2388-2389. Our ""students environment lesser expectation population generally.''' 2392 Jersey T.L. O., 469 325, 348, 105 733, 746, 83 720 (1985) (Powell, concurring)). deterring schoolchildren risk injury drug-using athlete cast himself him playing field. 2395. B 20 urge just examined sole constitutional analysis, contend, viewed through different lens implicates power, reserved Tenth rely Gregory Ashcroft, 501 452, 111 2395, 410 (1991), federal statutory Equal Protection Clause challenges Missouri's mandatory retirement age 70 judges. classification barred legislation. 473, 2407-2408. reaffirmed, enjoy wide latitude conditions, disregard basic protections. 463, 2402; McDaniel Paty, 435 618, 98 1322, 55 593 (1978) (invalidating provision prohibiting clergy serving delegates convention); Communist Ind. Whitcomb, 414 441, 94 38 635 (1974) (voiding loyalty oath ballot access); Bond Floyd, 385 116, 87 339, 235 (1966) (Georgia exclude representative ground his antiwar statements doubt take oath). aware suggesting offices-any prosecute crime-diminishes reject 21 guides, note, describes invokes guidelines applicable 20-21; 661-662, n. 1, 1. permits physician; given first controls dissemination report. effectively invasiveness concentrate core issue: Is need? 22 proffered supra, __-__. show, kind. 23 defense rests primarily incompatibility justified, 11-18. according respondents, becoming attaining 17-18. 24 Nothing hints broadly describe real hypothetical polity. counsel readily oral argument, officials: 25 "QUESTION: there anywhere officeholders being abusers? 26 [COUNSEL FOR RESPONDENTS]: No, frank, sit today.'' 32. 27 31 (counsel affirms problems). Proof help clarify-and substantiate-the precise use. Thus, tasks crisis rise students' _________, 2395-2396, bolstered government's officials' arguments appropriate. 28 laws. Nor scheme date-to scheduled anytime ballot-is secret. save addicted, 44-46.4 Even indulged argument purpose detect unable abstain, 46, shown argued likely offered why methods suffice apprehend individuals, should appear limelight stage. Section 21-2-140, short, needed cannot ferret out lawbreakers, barely attempt support ground. 29 amicus curiae heavily employees. 1387-1388; 12-14; 18; 670, 1393 ("Government compelling ensuring front-line personnel physically fit, unimpeachable integrity judgment.''); 1393-1394 (" [T]he suffer impaired perception will promoted employ deadly force.''). reported announcing [Customs employees], workers, routinely exposed network organized inextricably 816 F.2d 170, 173 (C.A.5 1987) omitted), aff'd. part, vacated stressed [d]rug ha[d] "access contraband,'' 669, 1392-1393. "ha[d] smugglers numerous occasions,'' several temptation. overlook difference [required firearms controlled substances] Candidates relentless scrutiny-by peers, public, press. Their 32 image project. By submit testing, displays signify candidates, elected, serve constituents free influence drugs. revealed, "special,'' term 33 defended officer drug-test part way demonstrate O.T.1988, 86-1879, pp. 35-36. did justification. Indeed, "set good example'' genre overwhelm objection, then care took explain ranked "special'' wasted many words entirely unnecessary, perhaps misleading, elaborations. 34 pathmarking opinion, Brandeis teaching example: "Our potent, omnipresent teacher. For ill, teaches whole example.'' Olmstead 277 438, 485, 48 575, 72 L.Ed. 944 (1928). set bad example when introduced criminal proceeding wiretap: 35 [I]t immaterial aid Experience teach us guard protect liberty purposes beneficent. Men born freedom naturally alert repel invasion evil-minded rulers. greatest dangers lurk insidious encroachment men zeal, well-meaning understanding.'' 479, 572-573. 36 However well-meant, devised action. III 37 finally, matters treat. singular examination health, express examinations. touch implicate concerns procedures. See, e.g., Barry City York, 712 1554 (C.A.2 1983) (upholding city's appointed city employees); Plante Gonzalez, 575 1119 1978) Florida's officers, employees). And Jacobsen, 466 109, 113, 104 1652, 1656, 80 85 (1984). reiterate, too, substantial real, blanket calibrated "reasonable''-for example, routine airports entrances official buildings. 674-676, 3, 1395-1396, 3. where, case, genuinely jeopardy, precludes search, matter how conveniently arranged. 39 *** 40 reasons stated, 41 Reversed. 42 Chief dissenting. 43 I novelty led distort doctrine order strike down. notes, impliedly turning nose, "Georgia test.'' Ante, __. heed oft-quoted dissent Ice Co. Liebmann, 285 262, 311, 52 371, 386-387, 76 747 (1932)- [i]t happy incidents system single courageous may, citizens choose, laboratory; try novel social experiments rest country''-novelty vice. experiments, course, comply Constitution; mere them. 44 Few legal problems society. Cases extend occupations-railway (1989), border patrol students, ____ (1995), machine operators, Paperworkers Misco, Inc., 484 29, 108 364, 286 bolder person say widespread usage never says [n]othing polity.'' surely wait addict, inclined illegally, actually installs prophylactic mechanism. much Raab: 45 "First, argue unjustified belief pressing point implemented 46 "Petitioners' contention evinces unduly narrow view implemented. dispute, nor can doubt, serious confronting today. There little believe American workplaces immune pervasive 673-674, 47 held, "reasonable.'' Today's speaks guarded'' class justified need.'' term, used relies, quite sense basis apart regular enforcement, 620, 1414-1415; inquiry delineated especially "importan[ce],'' ante, __, unless considers supervision probationers,'' "operation office,'' 1414-1415, "important.'' precedents, proper need,'' familiar balancing interest. factor equation. here, perversely relies fact gives privacy-" [c]andidates press,'' __-__as claim. says, effect, already subjected enable part. strange holding, indeed. One easily same sort fellow supervisors. clear settle vague uncanalized scrutiny; preventing concealing legitimate indicate "negligible,'' 2393, collecting analyzing samples "to reduce intrusiveness'' process. produce own doctor's least intrusive types conceivable. although concedes this, nonetheless manages count advance notice given, able during time. sure random-and apt ensnare users-the fault intrusiveness. Cf. 676, 4, 1396, 4. 50 described "in off duty, creates risks guard.'' 1395 (emphasis added). highlevel using seem significant off-duty treatment third "handle[d] "classified' materials.'' relegates footnote, dismisses it. Although lack factual development prevented determining materials,'' consider weight interest: 51 "We agree protecting truly sensitive who, "under compulsion reasons, compromise [such] information.' Navy Egan, 518, 528, 818, 824, 918 (1988) promotions handle screening background investigations, examinations, expected diminish 677, 1397. raise questions like identical implicated. measured correct area, "reasonable'' search; distorting reach does. Lest readers extended notes health. inconceivable decided differently case; involved. possible distinction far greater "general health'' propensity left legislatures, rather announced Judiciary. 54 Constitution prevents enacting whose principal vice misguided silly affirm Appeals. syllabus constitutes prepared Reporter Decisions convenience reader. Detroit Timber & Lumber Co., 200 321, 337, 282, 287, 499. rejected equal protection speech pleas petitioners. 1547-1549. Amendments, pleas. moot continuing controversy regarding now-completed sue behalf class, assert below intended future election. 9-10, suggestion mootness. Petitioner represented, plans again, contest representation. 4-6, 27; U.S.C. §1653 (defective allegations jurisdiction curable amendment trial appellate stages). transferred "classified'' material. 661, 1388. agreed information.'' 1396-1397. aspect 677-678, 1396-1397, clarify "whether defined [regulation] encompas[sed] gain information,'' 678, applicant know precisely application. potential knows start relevant events.

Category: 4