Document: 455 U.S. 283 102 S.Ct. 1070 71 L.Ed.2d 152 CITY OF MESQUITE, Appellant,v.ALADDIN'S CASTLE, INC. No. 80-1577. Argued Nov. 10, 1981. Decided Feb. 23, 1982. Judgment Recall Denied Oct. 31, 1983. See 104 329. Syllabus Section 6 of appellant Texas city's licensing ordinance governing coin-operated amusement establishments directs the Chief Police to consider whether a license applicant has any "connections with criminal elements." After receiving recommendations from Police, Building Inspector, and City Planner, Manager decides grant license. If he denies license, may appeal Council. denied application because Police's adverse recommendation as applicant's character, must show Council that or it is good character. 5 prohibits licensee allowing children under 17 years age operate devices unless accompanied by parent legal guardian. had been ordered in state-court proceedings issue appellee center operator (its having initially predecessor § 6), after repealed appellee's exemption 5, brought suit Federal District Court, praying for an injunction against enforcement ordinance. The Court held was unconstitutionally vague, but upheld 5. Appeals affirmed 6, basing its holding solely on Due Process Clause Fourteenth Amendment, reversed Constitution well Amendment. Held : 1. fact phrase elements" eliminated while case pending does not render moot. A defendant's voluntary cessation challenged practice deprive federal court power determine legality practice. Here, appellant's repeal objectionable language would preclude reenacting same provision if Court's judgment were vacated. Pp. 288-289. 2. erred vague. It clear procedure be followed when based recommendation, standard approval disapproval application. Rather, possible connection elements merely subject investigate before makes Manager. city giving vague ambiguous directions officials who are authorized make investigations recommendations. 289-291. 3. Because Congress limited this jurisdiction review questions state law there ambiguity Appeals' remand clarification necessary. This will decide constitutional question connected where (a) relevant provisions different from, arguably significantly broader than, corresponding provisions; (b) unclear apply matter applied reviewing 5; (c) policy avoid unnecessary adjudication questions, being no need decision here provides independent support judgment. 291-295. 630 F.2d 1029, part remanded. Elland Archer, Mesquite, Tex., appellant. Philip W. Tone, Chicago, Ill., appellee. Justice STEVENS delivered opinion Court. 1 United States Fifth Circuit declared unconstitutional two sections Texas.1 Ordinance 1353, which elements,"2 guardian,3 without rational basis. first rests Amendment Constitution. stated second rested our law, holding, we conclude There is, however, impediment holding. 2 On April 1976, accommodate proposal Aladdin's Castle, Inc. (Aladdin), open shopping mall, exempted prohibition operation unattended certain centers, features defined terms rules, long seven adult.4 Thereafter, Aladdin entered into long-term lease made other arrangements mall. In August, refused concluded corporation elements. then obtained requiring forthwith. found neither nor vagueness contravened both Constitutions.5 3 February 7, 1977, less than month complied issuing Aladdin, adopted new repealing exemption, thereby reinstating 17-year requirement, defining term some detail.6 commenced action Northern Texas, trial, elements," even defined, restriction ordinance.7 As already noted, former latter. 4 Invoking appellate 28 U.S.C. 1254(2), now asks us reverse Appeals. noted probable jurisdiction, 451 981, 101 2312, 68 838, advised reviewed further amended December 1977 eliminating restriction, retained.8 * mootness raised revision became effective When decided longer Arguably, fully advised, have regarded moot.9 us, duty do so. settled Such abandonment important factor bearing should exercise enjoin defendant renewing practice, relating rather existence judicial power.10 precisely vacated.11 course respect reduced 7 then, obvious response court's judgment, eliminated. certainty similar pursued most recent amendment defeat jurisdiction. We therefore confront merits "It basic principle due process enactment void prohibitions clearly defined." Grayned v. Rockford, 408 104, 108, 92 2294, 2298, 33 222 (emphasis added).12 assume definition so could convicted offense such connection; assume, deciding, also too denial center. These assumptions sufficient, invalid. 8 approve license; disapproves, note his reasons writing. disapproved "he character abiding citizen," "mean substantially employed Supreme State attorneys set forth [the statutes]." 9 App. Juris. Statement 13. An district court. summary13 used ordinance, either deny objection required administrative official "all information" "to investigation deems appropriate" formulating recommendation. incorrect insofar directive II 10 conclusion requirement invalid interpretation Constitution: 11 "We hold seventeen year old violates guarantees centers equal protection law." 1038-1039 (1980) (footnotes omitted). 12 omitted footnotes quoted similar, means identical, parts Constitution.14 13 precluded For statute provides: 14 "Cases courts appeals following methods: 15 16 "(2) By party relying repugnant Constitution, treaties laws States, shall writ certiorari at instance appellant, restricted presented. . ." ground disagreement exposition provide sufficient basis reversing so, simply dismiss seeks invalidation requirement. Cf. Hastings, 296 188, 193, 56 218, 220, 80 L.Ed. 148.15 18 contends, did place reliance treated protections congruent provisions.16 Under reading opinion, correction error automatically result Instead providing below, understood Appeals, dependent law. Although contention derives greater precedents cases, nevertheless decline, follow, now. 19 noteworthy provisions. number decisions demonstrate, entirely free read own State's constitution more broadly reads reject mode analysis favor guarantee. generally Brennan, Constitutions Protection Individual Rights, 90 Harv.L.Rev. 489 (1977), cases cited therein. learned members Bar sit Circuit, confronts regular business, better position recognize special nuances only four insufficient concluding 20 Second, take "requirement legislative rationality." That seems adopt classification " ' "upon difference fair substantial relation object legislation. F.2d, 1039.17 formulation derived F. S. Royster Guano Co. Virginia, 253 412, 415, 40 560, 561, 64 989. But present case. Railroad Retirement Bd. Fritz, 449 166, 453, 66 368; Craig Boren, 429 190, 97 451, 50 397. Therefore, surely evident congruent. 21 Finally, importance, avoiding questions. recently see Minnick California Dept. Corrections, 452 105, 2211, 706, self-imposed limitation importance institution transcends significance particular controversies. No reason hasty presented advanced. issue.18 hand, correct suggesting analysis, can advise discharge responsibilities concern unnecessarily reaching out novel question.19 22 part, remanded consistent opinion. 23 ordered. 24 WHITE, concurring dissenting part. 25 I concur Mesquite's directing vagueness.* 26 Like POWELL, dissent challenge requirements Mesquite sentiment wise, suspect Circuit's evaluating claims differed standards. agree POWELL "the inclusion three cursory state-law citations full discussion reference adoption ground." Post, 299-300 (concurring part). 27 refrain joining POWELL's detailed prefer engage debate over health Roys- ter standard." understand it, expressed ante 292 294, rationale inquiring presence adequate grounds "abstract opinion," 148 (1935), "unnecessary questions." Ante 294. sole justification remanding To justify disposition, finds necessary speculate rational-basis test 989 (1920), reiterated Reed Reed, 404 71, 76, 251, 254, 30 225 (1971), remains light decisions. Ante, 1077. response, declares "[t]his never rejected Reed." 301, n.6. fear lost sight pursuing inquiry rendering advisory opinions ironic seeking skirt relatively narrow constitutional, briefed, instead highly abstract, totally advisory, speculation continuing validity one earlier statements small importance. interpret twice removed unrelated order think nonfederal present. Delaware Prouse, 440 648, 652, 99 1391, 1395, 59 660 (1979). 29 vagueness. dissent, 31 jurisdictional mandatory overturning statutes grounds. Rather exercising remands clarify past, record reveals lower decisional case, contains my view remand. 32 stating owners pinball machines allow their youths years. violated First rights speech association. referred Constitution's Equal Clauses,1 margin.2 length, Amendment's rational-relationship citing, quoting, discussing total analysis. initial paragraphs broad principles briefly another. 1035 (CA5 1980). suggest overruling describing federal, Woman's University Chayklintaste, 530 S.W.2d 927, 928 (Tex.1975) (citing (1971)). Of cited, involves unsuccessful zoning rule challenger bears heavy burden showing police lawful. Park Benners, 485 773, 778-779 (1972). actually supports 34 Falfurrias Creamery Laredo, 276 351 (Tex.Civ.App.1955), established inspection program dairies. One municipality passed milk sold within borders inspected local inspector. Civil arbitrary, since inspector easily inspectors "[making] inspect[ions] accordance contemplated Id., 355. single dealing dairy-inspection designed dairies cannot serious allegation keeping parlors. 35 inference weak afforded Creamery, court, federal. provided challenge, ground. allows adding applying 36 Nor rigid approach today Konigsberg California, 353 252, 256-258, 77 722, 724-725, 810 (1957), example, argued dismissing petitioner's prayer relief ground: procedural rule. proceeded dismissal order's profferred sources alleged unconvincing "conclu[ded] issues them." 258, S.Ct., 725 (footnote omitted).3 37 gives remanding. First, observes n. 2, supra, differs afford individual Government. not, be, deciding question, citation three4 course, determinative. failed discuss, explain, describe, despite extensive cases. 38 point least imaginative. focuses sentence U.S., 928, ante, n.17. (1920). implies standard" citing 368 (1980).5 From implication,6 infers best answer speculative syllogism Appendix hereto include discuss review. nine cited. also, slightest indication distinguishing between Moreover, subsequent pages review, cite aspect though discussed. 1039-1040 (not included Appendix). 39 relies traditional reluctance unnecessarily. squarely general matter, remands; particularly true invoked 1254(2). Neither thinking independently below. these circumstances, substantive APPENDIX TO OPINION JUSTICE POWELL* "1. Rational Basis "Assuming appropriate rationality 1353. requires rationally related accomplishment legitimate purpose. legislation public purpose promotion welfare, safety. See, e.g., Rinaldi Yeager, 384 305, 309-10 [86 1497, 1499-1500, 577] (1966); (Tex.Civ.App.1955, ref'd r. e.). act taken bear end further. Griswold Connecticut, 381 479, 505-507 [85 1678, 1693-94, 510] (WHITE, J., concurring); Schware Board Examiners, 232, 239 [77 752, 756, 796] (1957); 778-79 (Tex.1972), dismissed, 411 901 [93 1530, 191] (1973). 41 "The service purposes protects individuals liberties arbitrariness unthinking prejudice. commentator irrationality 'patently useless goal apart whim favoritism.' Michelman, Politics Values What's Really Wrong Rationality Review? Creighton Law Review 487, 499 constitute 'reasonable, arbitrary (Tex. 1979), 76 [92 225] (1971). Accord, Department Agriculture Moreno, 413 528 2821, 782] (1973); James Strange, 407 128 2027, 600] (1972); Jackson Indiana, 406 715 1845, 435] Stanley Illinois, 405 645 1208, 551] Eisenstadt Baird, 438 349] 42 "Examination 1353 purposes. prevent truancy. keep minors exposed people 'who promote gambling, sale narcotics unlawful activities.' way furthers interests regulating associational activity young citizens, making assumption goals legitimate." 1039. 1029 (1980). Code pertinent part: "Any person desiring obtain establishment Secretary original five (5) copies, routed Manager, Inspector "Upon each parties payment fee, establishment, valid (1) non-transferable. upon conduct past operations, any, convictions felonies crimes involving moral turpitude connections elements, taking consideration attraction those tender Planner compliance applicable building ordinances City. "When received together furnished disapprove written notation disapproval. disapproval, corrections request approval, withdrawal refund give notice Manager's decision. "In event intention ten (10) days heard thirty (30) date later agreed applicant. prescribed Article V.A.C.S. citizen extent issued. hearing whole affirm "An evidence "For violation (3) Licensee revoke granted hereunder. exist revocation application." 9-10. owner, displayer (17) play machine minor guardian." 8. 1310. trial 559 error, 570 377 (1978), finding reversible supported evidence, declining reach question. (quoted supra ), reenacted change. "Connection With Criminal Elements affairs wherein applicant, officer of, principal stockholder interest management responsibility for, organization directly parent, subsidiary affiliate, association, acquaintance, business association felony crime otherwise involved activities, fencing stolen merchandise illegally funds, procuring prostitutes, transfer illegal substances feasible likely unwholesome influences rendered difficult. "A determination member 'mafia' 'Cosa Nostro' family engaged affiliated nationwide organization, formally informally, prima facia far issuance hereunder, 'connections elements' constitute, meaning 'criminal elements'." 12-13. 434 F.Supp. 473 aff'd rev'd 1410, Brief Appellee A1-A11. becomes apparent become moot pending, below normally vacated complaint. Munsingwear, Inc., 340 36, 95 36. stringent one. Mere allegedly case; did, compelled leave '[t]he return ways.' T. Grant Co., 345 629, 632 [73 894, 897, 1303] (1953); see, Trans-Missouri Freight Assn., 166 290 [17 540, 1007] (1897). might events absolutely wrongful behavior reasonably expected recur. still appellees show, remand, likelihood violations sufficiently remote injunctive unnecessary. [345 U.S.] 633-636, 897-899]. judge. technically moot, properly taken, choice it." Concentrated Phosphate Export 393 199, 203-204, 89 361, 364, 344. Indeed, announced just intention. Tr. Oral Arg. 18-20. summarized authorities follows: persons 'of common intelligence necessarily guess differ .' Smith Goguen, 415 566, 572 n.8, [94 1242, 1246, 605] quoting Connally General Construction 269 385, 391 [46 126, 127, 70 322]. Note, Void-for-Vagueness Doctrine 109 U.Pa.L.Rev. 67 (1960). lies nature consequences proscribed. Papachristou Jacksonville, 156, 162. 839, 843, 110] Accord 108 & 222] limit discretion officials; thus they engender possibility discriminatory enforcement. 108-09 4; 2298-2299] 168-70. 846-847] Third, intrinsic promise frustrate essence regime. remain 'a government laws, men,' Marbury Madison, (1 Cranch.) 137, 163, [2 60] clear." 1037 (citations abbreviated). supra. 1, 19, "No deprived life, liberty, property, privileges immunities, manner disfranchised, except land." 3, "All men, form social compact, rights. "Review disturb, adequately examination, anomaly." correct, Zacchini Scripps-Howard Broadcasting 433 562, 568, 2849, 2853, 53 965; Mental Hygiene Kirchner, 380 194, 198, 85 871, 874, 753; Missouri ex rel. Southern R. Mayfield, 3; Minnesota National Tea 309 551, 554-555, 60 676, 678, 84 920; Tax Comm'n Van Cott, 306 511, 514, 605, 606, 83 950. section entitled "Rational Basis," test. paragraph, "[t]he purpose," formulation. .," (1975), turn 225. accord sure, infer represents Our Brethren "view law," post, 300 (POWELL, unwilling judge fashion. event, explain conclusion, one, 196-197, 873 omitted): equivalent both. While words unable say degree always wary assuming plain presented, Were another presenting issues, inform based, leaving untouched whatever conclusions reached follow clarifying called 551. [60 920]" mooted inconsistent disposition Princeton Schmid, 100, 867, 855 (per curiam ). University's regulations solicitation property New Jersey contested regulations. issue. Unlike gave desired regulatory scheme absent barrier. "has intention." 289, 11. moots evaluate recur, County Los Angeles Davis, 625, 1379, 642 (1979), consistent. 1980): law" Tex.Const., Art. I, ("All .") ("No land"). (1979) (reaching depends law); Cicenia Lagay, 357 504, 507, n.2, 78 1297, 1299, 1523 (1958) (After looking concludes appears ground); Williams Kaiser, 323 471, 65 363, 398 (1945) (The considered insubstantial Court; proceeds issue); York Bryant Zimmerman, 278 63, 69, 49 61, 73 184 (1928) (Given Clause, determinative). Herb Pitcairn, 324 117, 459, 789 (1945), dismissed complaints continued announcing outcome, "until decision] [rest ground] record." 128, 464. Pitcairn apparently adopts today. willing look available (none ) supra; (1957). reports history dispute parties, 1034, n.8. Fritz 9, 1980; November 17, 1980, influenced Fritz. Reed. arrogant scholar claim all [Supreme Court] appl[y] uniform principles." 177, n.10, 460, n.10. example set, perceive inferences divergent federal- views failure use terminology. generalizations went strike down" infringement fundamental right 1041. conclusion. 1041-1044. includes entire portion saying "it congruent." 301-302,

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