Document: 359 U.S. 41 79 S.Ct. 539 3 L.Ed.2d 609 Emanuel BROWN, Petitioner,v.UNITED STATES of America. No. 4. Argued Oct. 16, 1958. Decided March 9, 1959. Rehearing Denied April 20, See 976, 873. Mr. Myron L. Shapiro, New York City, for petitioner. John F. Davis, Washington, D.C., respondent. Justice STEWART delivered the opinion Court. 1 The petitioner was sentenced to 15 months' imprisonment criminal contempt stemming from his refusal testify before a federal grand jury. His conviction affirmed by Court Appeals, 247 F.2d 332. case brought here primarily review validity procedure which resulted in adjudication. 356 926, 78 713, 2 758. Other issues relate nature and extent immunity prosecution conferred § 205(e) Interstate Commerce Act, as amended,1 severity punishment imposed District A jury Southern investigating possible violations Part II Act2 issued subpoena directing appear 'all everything you may know regard an alleged violation Sections 309, 322 Title 49, United States Code (49 U.S.C.A. §§ 322).' In response this appeared and, after being sworn, answered few preliminary questions. He then asked six further questions concededly relevant jury's inquiry. These he refused answer upon ground self-incrimination. After consulting with lawyer, who continuously present adjoining anteroom, persisted answer, although advised at length Assistant Attorney that applicable statute complete any matter concerning might testify, that, therefore, 'you do not have privilege plead Fifth Amendment.' Thereupon scene proceedings shifted courtroom, where sought aid district judge. apprised what had transpired room, judge heard extensive argument counsel scope afforded witness under statute. 4 Following weekend recess ruled would be accorded asserted, directed therefore return room Later same day again returned courtroom 'to request assistance Court.' through official reporter obey court's order 5 addressed presence. Each question met thereupon explicitly each question, just refused. inquired whether persist if were there. replied would. counsel, held sentence. 6 Throughout represented unsuccessfully advanced three basic contentions: (1) testifies offenses Motor Carrier Act is no statutory subsequent based testimony. (2) Even some conferred, it coextensive constitutional against (3) event, Court, adjudging without following procedural requirements Rule 42(b) Federal Rules Criminal Procedure, 18 U.S.C.A., deprived due process law. contentions are here. addition, we hold sentence abuse Court's discretion. 7 determining clothed incriminate himself, Appeals plainly correct. language unambiguous: '* * person subpenaed or testifying connection investigation chapter shall rights, privileges, immunities subject duties, liabilities, penalties though such arose title (Part I Act) *.'3 obvious purpose effect confer one I. Both Part, contain sanctions, power investigate either unquestioned. 8 confers enacted 1893.4 For more than half century has been settled self-incrimination, lawfully refuse testify. Brown v. Walker, 1896, 161 591, 16 644, 40 L.Ed. 819. context doctrine originated history its reaffirmance years so recently re-examined Ullmann States, 350 422, 76 497, 100 511, make needless exercise retrace Suffice repeat Walker become 'part our fabric.' page 438, 506. It thus clearly too late sufficiency provided Act. 9 contending fully imported into grasps straws. points out above-quoted 49 U.S.C. 305(d), incorporates provisions separated only semi-colon provision gives Commission investigative powers II. footnote 3. us rewrite section witnesses appearing Commission, those court. Such construction violence plain language, but also, observed, whole structure pages 336, 337. 10 argues alternatively even granted witness, commensurate I, constitutionally insufficient. contention 305(d) provides related itself because clause beginning section—'So far necessary purposes chapter.' Assuming limits all, class whom will attach, conferred. 'subpoenaed (a) chapter' within class. 11 Congress could himself answering put him. 'be prosecuted subjected penalty forfeiture on account transaction, thing, (might) *.' 46, 46. unqualified duty do. 12 We turn petitioner's attack followed adjudicating him contempt.5 This procedure, contended, robbed safeguards notice, opportunity prepare defense, hearing, also presumption innocence other rights fair trial. 13 view apparent breadth argument, promote analysis aspect emphasize outset does involve. situation sense personal judge, raising unfairness resulting operation human emotions. Cf. Coke 267 517, 539, 45 390, 396, 69 767; Sacher 343 1, 72 451, 96 717; Offutt 348 11, 75 99 11. 'misbehavior' involving factual conduct occurred 'presence' court 'so near thereto obstruct administration justice.'6 Ex parte Savin, 131 267, 699, 33 150; Cuddy, 280, 703, 154; Nye 313 33, 44—53, 61 810, 813—818, 85 1172. Moreover, punish disobedience lawful contempt,7 summarily, occurs presence sight hearing judge.8 14 issue presented considerably narrower broad strokes first suggest. Indeed, boils down when disobeyed choice initiate once, Procedure,9 violated calling giving another contempt. disregards historic relationship between finds support neither precedent nor reason. great independence many areas, remains appendage court, powerless perform function aid, compel testimony witnesses. summons attend give testimony, must if, appearing, refuses so. When questions, guilty entitled until ordered answer. Unless, frustrated purpose, exactly did—turn help. If self-incrimination properly invoked, end matter. adverse ruling claim privilege, still incumbent unequivocally Wong Gim Ying 98 U.S.App.D.C. 23, 231 776. did 17 now direct order, time At point proceeding unquestionably quite initiated. Since take place actual made known taking evidence, conducted notice conformity 42(b). Carlson Cir., 209 209, 216. intent punishing aiding well taken course. Instead, effort induce Again advising immunity, Had done so, purged contempt, proceeded.10 deliberate refusal, continuing cf. Yates 355 66, 75, 128, 134, 95, left choice.11 presence, proper proceed 42(a). 19 42 Procedure innovation. simply makes 'more explicit' long-settled usages law governing proceedings.12 No decision ever questioned propriety summary investigation. Repeated decisions Courts have, least sub silentio, approved common law.13 Indeed less decade ago consider sufficiently doubtful merit discussion.14 light, both reason authority, action affording locus penitentiae finally entirely proper. 20 hold, finally, Because there limit sentencing cases Green 165, 632, 672, exercise. 363, 766, 837; Nilva 352 385, 77 431, 415. But 'with utmost responsibility circumspection.' supra, 188, 645. record indicate judge's otherwise reached. Before imposed, fully, repeatedly patiently heard.15 21 Affirmed. 22 Chief WARREN, BLACK, DOUGLAS, BRENNAN join, dissenting. 23 find myself disagreement majority opinion, interpretation sanctions used below convict summarily 42(a) should accordance denial minimal protections legal demonstrate extenuating circumstances,1 satisfied principles play. 24 prescribes contempts 'shall' allowing 'reasonable preparation defense' protections, except instances wherein committed 'may' punished summarily. demonstrates general mode prescribed On hand, covers specific situations need summary. light concern long demonstrated Congress2 Court3 over power, reserved exceptional circumstances. include threatening Hall, 176 163, acts disrupting obstructing business. Landes, 97 378. 25 inserted ease difficulties prosecuting contempts. meant authorize practice having government prosecutors force persons already outside themselves deprivation their Given admittedly precipitous character extremely harsh consequences, countenance whereby completed reproduced command performance justify disposition. That say Government bring second time. Of course, use additional persuasion obtain answers constitute Nor alone imposing severe appropriate jury.4 26 very jail civil Oriel Russell, 278 358, 173, 174, 73 419. Gompers Buck's Stove & Range Co., 221 418, 442, 31 492, 498, 55 797. disputed. recalcitrant said carry keys own pocket. re Nevitt, 117 448, 461. Or, presentment, given open commenced procedures set forth 42(b), concedes. normal manner these cases. 27, 776, 780; 27 procedure. 8, ostensibly seeking obtaining prosecutor never faintly suggested coercivr remedy.5 Rather, spoke terms assuming continue seek disposition immediately. finding substantial complied—with months penitentiary. omit purge did.6 Thereafter urged deny bail promptly acceded request. 28 Beyond short statement, nothing offered show seriousness contempt.7 offense punishable fine. 71 Stat. 352, (Supp. V) 322(a), 322(a). 29 assert serious investigation,8 disparity exists case, demonstrate, rebuttal, significance investigation, witness' recalcitrance future 30 observes reduce 60 days termination 35. discretionary, Flores 238 758; Miller 224 561, term penitentiary comparable commitment Exercise 35 convicted criminal. Also, failure invoke indicates intended punitive coercive.9 asserted involved here—the immunity—so defense 42(b).10 overlooks right evidence extenuation courts similar neglects importance reflection. forced—or goaded spur-of-the-moment balance. There indication expected afternoon 8. Yet, return, prison denied bail. Neither discussed sentences here, clear how judges treating offenses.11 character. Apparently, 15-month longest sustained appellate system jury.12 delay enough research establish Government's omission groundless.13 took question. minimum pending appeal.14 32 Shortcuts always confusing15 dangerous, they particularly sanctioned throughout tempted all can dead letter. traditionally utilized sparingly uphold dignity courts. Early history, 'the adequate proposed.' Anderson Dunn, Wheat. 204, 231, 242. As Frankfurter 24—25, 462, 717 (dissenting opinion): 'To dispense indictment trial twelve mean disregard fairness. Reason fairness demand, needs effective justice amply while reach drastic kept minimize abuse. While experience shown necessity recognizing possess proven restrictions fence Hence Congress, legislation dating back hundred years, geographic 34 'The deeply imbedded fact often neglected. Times tension, usually periods war aftermath, surface. Reflecting doubt untoward events enforcement arising First World War, Brandeis Holmes gave quiet warning observed 'in development liberty insistence regularity large factor.' Burdeau McDowell, 256 465, 477, 574, 576, 65 1048. most Bill Rights concerned matters 'That about—'procedural regularity.' Not petitioners professionally inexcusable, tribunal sit judgment; punished, mete punishment; authority prevent subverted, exercised assure rectitude detract itself.' 36 And, shortly thereafter, adopted viewpoint. lies defendant expect prepare. judicial reflection invaluable by-product designed meet demands situation. Here, haste resultant benefit (except saving Attorney's office preparing notice). 'a reasonable defense.' supervisory courts, McNabb 318 332, 340, 63 608, 613, 87 819, permit utilization immediate preservation respect Improvident weakens respect.16 37 type send merely refusing trucker operating ICC certificate. much collateral sufficient increasing act suspicion redound interest racketeer, basis seen fit accord juries. factors play part notice. 38 Unfortunately, adhere glossed burning public interest, remembered apply people walks life, good bad. suggest full import recognized applied types investigations people. 39 reverse conviction. 550; 54 922, 305(d). Commonly 543, amended, 919, 301 et seq., seq. text subsection, appears Code, follows: 'So chapter, members examiners thereof joint boards administer oaths, require subpena attendance production books, papers, tariffs, contracts, agreements, documents, deposition, relating title; title, unless 443, 'No excused attending producing documents obedience commission, signed commissioners, cause proceeding, otherwise, growing documentary required him, tend criminate forfeiture. produce subpoena, them, proceeding: Provided, exempt perjury testifying. Any neglect inquiry, requirement commission competent jurisdiction fine $100 $5,000, year imprisonment.' 904, 47, provides: matter, thing suit, amendatory supplemental thereto: testifying.' advance be. 'Mr. Wachtell: understanding this: requesting What appears, reporter, persisting itself, jury, ask first, whther willing them now, second, sent again. And physical persists Procedure. Court: propose.' 401(1), 401(1). 401, 401. Power court: 'A imprisonment, discretion, none other, as— '(3) Disobedience resistance writ, process, rule, decree, command.' 42. Contempt: '(a) Summary Disposition. certifies saw constituting recite facts entered record.' '(b) Disposition Upon Notice Hearing. subdivision rule state essential charged describe such. orally or, application attorney appointed arrest. provides. admission rules. involves disrepect criticism disqualified presiding defendant's consent. verdict guilt enter fixing punishment.' somehow incorrect. discuss claim, 'secrecy,' fact. 7, 454, Notes Advisory Committee Rules, 42, note. Rogers 340 367, 95 344; Wilson 361, 369, 538, 540, 771, semble; Hale Henkel, 201 43, 370, 372, 50 652; Curcio, 234 470, 473, reversed grounds, 1957, 354 118, 1145, 1225; Lopiparo 216 87; Weinberg, 394, 396. earlier law, see People ex rel. Phelps Fancher, 1874, Hun 226, Thomp. C. 467; Hackley Kelly, 1861, N.Y. 74, 79—80; Harris, 1884, Utah 5, 8—9, P. 129, 130—132; Heard Pierce, 1851, 62 Mass. 338, 342—345. 344, attacked she found (See Petitioner's brief Nos. 21, 22, O.T., 1950, pp. 54—58; ibid., 51—53.) dissenting petition rehearing complained silence (Petition 6—10) denied. 341 912, 619, 1348. excess maximum authorized substantive comparison stautory obstruction justice, five years' imprisonment. 1503, 1503. shows suspected petitioner, others. informed 'desired elicit greatest importance, witness's stumbling block investigations.' willingness passing motion reduction indicated toward minor really discover notorious gangsters complicity Victor Riesel acid-throwing incident racketeering York. total absence intimation conduct, fear gangster reprisals, unreasonable Regardless Widger 244 103, presentation affected See, generally, Landis, Over Contempts 'Inferior' Study Separation Powers, Harv.L.Rev. 1010. e.g., Cammer 399, 456, 474; 11; 1172; Cooke Terry, 128 289, 77, 405; Although during certificate answers. practice, severely n. infra. statement opinion. 13, expression about progress discussion punishment: information desired represent Comparing meaningful normally defendants, including, protection seem true despite confusion existent 'substantial sentence, coercive sentence.' stated requested clause! disagrees applicability grant 'novel aspects.' 338. Thus, considering frivolous. Second Circuit: O'Connell (three clause), certiorari 281 716, 461, 74 1136, dismissed stipulation 296 667, 51 658, 1472; Lang 922 (90 285 533, 52 408, 928, 286 523, 495, 1267; 394 (60 days); Zwillman, 108 802 (six-month reversed); Weisman, 111 260 St. Pierre, 132 837, 147 A.L.R. 240 (five-month sentence), moot 319 41, 910, 1199. Circuit definitely question: Trock, 232 839 (four-month 351 1048, 1493; 470 clause) Gordon, 236 916 containing Courtney, 921 (three-month Miranti, 253 135 (two 5-year comment anger witnesses). Cases Circuits contempts: Caton, Fed.Cas. p. 14,758 ($5 fine); Counselman, C.C., 44 268 ($500 contempt) nom. Counselman Hitchcock, 142 547, 195, 1110; Elwell 275 775 contempt); Camarota 243 (six months); Hoffman, 185 617 (five months), 479, 814, 1118; Healey 186 164 (four $10 Greenberg, 187 944, 1013, 1369; (18-month vacated); Hooley 219 (nine-month O'Keefe 223 Maffie 225 (one-year Daly vacated). involve refusals courtroom: 179 559, 344 jury); 193 telling records later date); Field, 92 (one 90 two months, clauses certain court); Enrichi 212 702 $500 jury). course severely: Cashman, D.C.S.D.N.Y., 168 1008 (8 $750 bankruptcy hearing); Barker, F.R.D. 421 $1,000 cross-examination trial); Flegenheimer, 82 751 (six-months testimony); Gates, (30 103 reversed). All longer vacated appeal: 135; 209; 164. 18-month 87, disbelief story corporate books 91. contained clause. shortening fixed term. 222 897. Loubriel 807, relied Government. Eight later, since. secret caused swift invoked. cleared. assistance, read happened earlier. Though transcript indicate, likely secrecy effect. fact, objected served 'open court' charges. change proceeding. spectators allowed counsel. 10, supra. Reliance improper unnecessary raised 193, 648, 672 opinion).

Category: 0