Document: 501 U.S. 923 111 S.Ct. 2661 115 L.Ed.2d 808 Rafael PERETZ, Petitionerv.UNITED STATES. No. 90-615. Argued April 23, 1991. Decided June 27, Syllabus Gomez v. United States, 490 858, 109 2237, 104 923, held that the selection of a jury in felony trial without defendant's consent is not one "additional duties" magistrates may be assigned under Federal Magistrates Act. That decision rested on lack both an express statutory provision for de novo review and explicit congressional intent to permit conduct voir dire absent parties' consent. And it was compelled by concerns defendant might have constitutional right demand Article III judge preside at every critical stage procedure deprived individual important privilege, if right. In this case, petitioner Peretz consented assignment Magistrate supervise his trial, never asked District Court Magistrate's rulings, raised no objection regarding trial. However, appeal from conviction, he contended error assign Magistrate. The Appeals affirmed conviction ground requires reversal only cases which magistrate has acted Held: 1. Act's clause permits provided parties fact there ambiguous evidence Congress' include among magistrates' additional duties far less here than Gomez, Peretz' eliminates about issue deprivation Absent these concerns, structure purpose evince belief are well qualified handle matters similar importance selection. This reading strikes balance Congress intended between criminal interests policies undergirding It allows courts, with litigants' consent, continue innovative experiments use improve efficient administration courts' dockets, thus relieving courts certain subordinate often distract them more matters. At same time, requirement protects interest requesting presence all stages Pp. 932-936. 2. There infirmity delegation when litigants A judge's absence. Cf. Commodity Futures Trading Comm'n Schor, 478 833, 848, 106 3245, 3255, 92 675. also, e.g., States Gagnon, 470 522, 528, 105 1482, 1485, 84 486. addition, none III's structural protections implicated procedure. entire process takes place total control jurisdiction district court, decides, subject veto parties, whether invoke magistrate's assistance actually empanel selected. See Raddatz, 447 667, 100 2406, 65 424. Act does provide decisions during alter result, for, requests review, nothing statute precludes court providing required Constitution. id., 681, n. 7, S.Ct., 2415, 7. 936-939. 904 F.2d 34 (CA2 1990), affirmed. STEVENS, J., delivered opinion Court, REHNQUIST, C.J., O'CONNOR, KENNEDY, SOUTER, JJ., joined. MARSHALL, filed dissenting opinion, WHITE BLACKMUN, SCALIA, opinion. Joel B. Rudin, New York City, petitioner. William C. Bryson, Washington, D.C., respondent. Justice STEVENS Court. 1 grants authority described functions as "such inconsistent Constitution laws States."1 (1989), we those do encompass consider warrants different result. 2 * Petitioner codefendant were charged importing four kilograms heroin. pretrial conference attended counsel, Judge "[a]ny picking before magistrate?" App. Petitioner's counsel responded: "I would love opportunity." Ibid. Immediately commenced, received, assurances she had their clients' proceed selection.2 She then proceeded jury. Neither any ruling made 3 presided resulted acquittal codefendant. conducted dire. On appeal, however, our reversal. disagreed. Relying its earlier Musacchia, 900 493 "that magistrate-supervised waives subsequent challenge grounds," petitioner's conviction. Pet. Cert. 2a; (1990) (affirmance order). 4 Second Circuit case objected concluded holding applied explained: 5 "Appellants additionally claim states We disagree. Since decided other circuits focused 'without consent' language generally ruled where either or failure object case. [United Vanwort, 887 375, 382-383 1989), cert. denied, sub nom. Chapoteau 495 ----, 110 1927, 290 (1990); Mang Sun Wong, 884 1537, 1544 1082, 1140, 107 1045 Lopez-Pena, 912 1542, 1545-1548 (CA1 1989) ] (not plain since must waived); Government Virgin Islands Williams, 892 305, 310 (3d Cir.1989) (absent difficulty § 636(b)(3) delegating magistrate); Ford, 824 1430, 1438-39 (5th Cir.1987) (en banc) (harmless failed object), 484 1034, 108 741, 98 776 (1988); Wey, 895 429 (7th Cir.1990) (jury prejudice shown). Concededly, France, 886 223 (CA9 1989),] otherwise. contemporaneously conducting did waive her appellate review. 226. But explained, noted earlier, what perceived futility raising below." F.2d, 502. 6 conflict Circuits prompted us grant Government's petition certiorari France see 1921, 285 (1990). Earlier term, judgment equally-divided 498 805, 112 836 (1991). Thereafter, granted directed address following three questions: 7 "1. Does 28 U.S.C. 636 consents? 8 "2. If consents, consistent III? 9 "3. supervision error, attorney constitute waiver raise appeal?" 781, 844 10 Resolution questions begin Gomez. II 11 Our narrow. framed question presented "whether presiding 'additional duties' " magistrates. U.S., 860, 2239 (emphasis added). "exceeds jurisdiction" selecting "despite objection." Id., 876, 2248. Thus, carefully limited situation acquiesced role.3 particular divided Courts Appeals. 861-862, 2239-2240, hand, uniformly rejected challenges performance duty been court.4 12 Although role assumed beyond Act, recognized play integral federal judicial system. 864-869, 2241-2244 (citing H.R.Rep. 96-287, p. (1979)). recent continued acknowledge placed role. See, McCarthy Bronson, 500 1737, 114 194 "Given bloated dockets now come expect ordinary, today's system indispensable." Islands, 308.5 13 Cognizant system, nonetheless propelled towards several considerations. Chief Court's "settled policy avoid interpretation engenders issues." 864, 2241. because substantial trial.6 principle avoidance led clear take question. Rust Sullivan, 1759, 233 (O'CONNOR, dissenting). clearly also appropriate asking construe general authorize 2A Sands, Sutherland Statutory Construction 58.04, 715 (rev. 4th ed.1984). coupled absence mention statute's text legislative history convinced authorized involved view issues involved, broad being construed deprive significant considered authorization dispositive. 872, 25, 875-876, 2245, 2247-2248. 14 Reinforcing conclusion performed pursuant reasonably should bear some relation specified magistrates.7 Carefully reviewing expressly perform, 865-871, 2242-2245, comparable could litigants.8 that, 1968 empowered try "minor offenses," exercise specific conditioned upon written 866, 2242. Similarly, 1976 Amendment designated special master civil but parties. 867-868, 2243-2244. 1979, enlarged misdemeanors, As 15 "A limitation expanded amended 'neither nor shall attempt persuade induce party reference matter magistrate.' 93 Stat. 643, 636(c)(2). cases, judge. 'Defendants misdemeanors can refuse effect removal,' S.Rep. 96-74, (1979), depends specific, consent." 870-871, 2244-2245 (footnote omitted). 16 Because perform instead "subsidiary matters," waver cannot over objection. 17 differs critically rather objecting role, affirmatively welcomed it. supra, 925. considerations lead consented. 18 Most notably, significantly changes analysis. explain Part IV, infra, trouble concluding problem accordance removes concern motivated require unambiguous duties. lightly read privilege. 19 therefore attach focus possible generality category indicates give judges leeway experiment improvements efficiency already tried even foreseen. strictly limit committee hearings debates, presumably included bill particulars residuary clause. Construing depriving right, foreclose constructive acceptable participants basic purposes statute. 20 Of course, still reluctant, responsibilities greater makes crucial difference score well. explained II, objections subsidiary delegate misdemeanor trials. These responsibility 21 conclude reaching assisted reasoning Second, Third, Seventh Circuits, which, rationale apply 1990); (CA7 305 (CA3 1989). 22 share confidence expressed Third Williams undergird 311. designed relieve matters.9 will "continue experimentations" dockets. 94-1609, (1976), U.S.Code Cong. & Admin.News 1976, 6162.10 23 24 "If defendant, together attorney, believes best serves jury, preserves magistrate. Where, indifferent preside, little sense deny opportunity function magistrate, particularly such sensibly advances court's regulation docket." 25 sum, convince proceeding delegated consent.11 evinces conditions accept perceives threat injury process, need decline ensure dire.12 duty. IV 26 noted, arguable resolve now, determine 27 previously personal 675 (1986). most rights defendants similarly waiver. 486 (1985) (absence constitutes present trial); Levine 362 610, 619, 80 1038, 1044, 989 (1960) (failure closing courtroom public Segurola 275 106, 111, 48 77, 79, 72 L.Ed. 186 (1927) Fourth against unlawful search seizure); Figueroa, 818 1020, 1025 1987) results forfeiture postarrest delay); Bascaro, 742 1335, 1365 (CA11 1984) double jeopardy defense), denied Hobson 472 1017, 3476, 87 613 (1985); Coleman, 707 374, 376 (CA9) Fifth claim), 464 854, 171, 78 154 (1983). Yakus 321 414, 444, 64 660, 677, 88 834 (1944) ("No procedural familiar forfeited make timely assertion right"). Just affords protection who fundamental rights, so gives fails Even assuming litigant III, 850-851, 3256-3257, followed appointed removal judges. 631. "ultimate decision" 683, 2416, 424 (1980). supervised remains entirely court. "the jurisdiction," danger involves "congressional attemp[t] 'to transfer [to non-Article tribunals] emasculating' National Insurance Co. Tidewater Co., 337 582, 644 [69 1173, 1209, 1556] (1949) (Vinson, . ." 850, 3256. 29 violated motion suppress principal argument advanced Raddatz omission hear testimony witnesses whenever credibility arises Due Process Clause Amendment. doubt plainly foreclosed Raddatz. disposes raise. BLACKMUN's concurring controlling here: 30 "As observes, handling suppression motions invariably completely initially refer When referred, freely reject recommendation. He rehear whole part. call findings otherwise 'recommit instructions.' 636(b)(1). Moreover, himself Art. control. judges, 631(a), them, 631(h). retain plenary when, what, how many magistrates, '[e]ach establish rules discharge duties.' 636(b)(4). 31 "It imposes requirements competency impartiality, §§ 631(b), (c), (i), 632, 637 (1976 ed. Supp. II), including rule barring reduction salaries full-time 634(b). despite protections, controversial susceptible outside pressures, judge—insulated life tenure irreducible salary—is waiting wings, fully able correct errors. Under circumstances, I simply perceive power independence decisionmaking underlies III. face 'Congress [has] delegate[d] non-Art. final determinations fact.' Post, 703 [100 2426] (dissenting opinion). Rather, confront vested discretionary competent impartial assistants, while ensuring complete supervisory assistants' activities." 685-686, 2417-2418. 32 Unlike upheld contains rulings omission, result recommendations. established extent "de satisfy exercised unless requested parties." Peacock, 761 1313, 1318 (Kennedy, J.), 474 847, 139, (1985). ask future request requires. inadequate substitute actual dire, true determination hearing, turns witnesses. 692, 2420 (Stewart, presume, allowing motions, properly they arise. comported respecting V 33 disposition unnecessary discuss third brief argue. note, Solicitor General conceded relied waived. concession benefit adversary presentation, course prevent adopting legal analysis agree majority Judges issue, after permitting raises faithful enacting amending Act.13 35 ordered. 36 whom BLACKMUN join, dissenting. 37 amazing display interpretive gymnastics, twists, bends, contorts logic attempting demonstrate consideration refusal find considerably flexible. irrelevant prohibition 38 majority's reconstruction unsound, unwise. By discarding Gomez's categorical selection, unnecessarily troubling practice To compound resolves manner precedents. dissent. 39 A. 40 purports locate source consented-to clause, "[a] States." 636(b)(3). Whether authorizes conventional interpretation. "[t]he statute, indeed, history, persuades intend embrace function." 2247 my view, existence absolutely conclusion. 41 literal prohibited 864-865, 2241-2242. precedent emphasized according intention "handle matters[,] [thereby] enabl[ing] concentrate trying cases." 2245. 42 willing aid business increased time available careful unhurried vital traditional adjudicatory duties, consequent quality justice courts." (1976) added) amendments Act); accord, 371, 90th Cong., 1st Sess., (1967) (Federal 1968).1 43 identified two reasons inferring trials "vital retained First, felt necessary define 636(a)(3), 636(c). "th[is] defined minor cases" constituted "an implicit withholding trial." light understanding essential component trial,2 determined extends 871-872, 44 inference affected condition 3401(b); 636(c)(1). hold, does, likewise long consents treat part perfectly coextensive trials—the categorically rejected. 45 second basis nondelegable cases. provides separate standards review: "clearly erroneous contrary law" resolution nondispositive matters, 636(b)(1)(A), dispositive 636(b)(1)(B)-(C). deemed identify standard persuasive function. 873-874, 2246. 46 Again, fail inference. said unconsented-to Nor anything indicate 47 opines "nothing precludes" ante, 939. achieved. silence regrettable. "dispositive prescribes standard. 873, "serious doubts," meaningfully conducted. 874, 2247.3 reexamination jurors feasible "as practical interrogation defensive, engendering prejudices facts adduced 875, 29, 2247, 29. difficulties effective central construction yet essentially ignored today.4 found confirmation inferences drew history." 2247. 930. offers support selection.5 49 response paucity construction, notes "call[ed] attention" House Committee Report "referred" letter mentioning Ante, 935, 11. While observes 'suggest[ed] selected juries parties,' ibid., quoting 30, added majority), neglects record salient letter. particular, "lone reference" authority. suggested took "perhaps trials." Finally, pointed out 50 "[the letter] displays validity assignments: 'How this? just It's black white something Sure get shot down once So what? ' (citation B 51 compel consents. arguments wholly unpersuasive. 52 According majority, "[t]his 932. asserts factor analysis, bearing indicated, behind endow jurisdiction. 53 Unable revisionist seeks bolster noting "[t]hese 933. analogy misses point. imposed expressly-provided prove enumerated Act—such most, specifically suggest confer predicated discussed, 942-943, construing authorizing merely draw precisely opposite Gomez.6 54 defends stating 'continue[d] experimentations' administration" courts. 934. Taken literally, admits limits, reason legitimate scope permissible duties." content looking administrative quasi-judicial tasks order free trials, 942. creating "critical stage" 2246, judge, misapprehends conception played 55 outlined why believe defensible duties"—regardless believed mine "reasonable" interpretations, needlessly serious question: magistrate— consents—is 56 "avoid reasonable alternative poses question." 2241; Edward J. DeBartolo Corp. Florida Gulf Coast Building Trades Council, 485 568, 575, 1392, 1397, 99 645 841, 3251, (1986); Ashwander TVA, 297 288, 348, 466, 483, 688 (1936) (Brandeis, concurring). Given inherent complexity questions, canon force stake. Northern Pipeline Marathon Pipe Line 458 50, 90, 102 2858, 2881, 73 598 (1982) (Rehnquist, judgment) ("Particularly area law 'Art. Courts,' frequently arcane distinctions confusing precedents, rigorous adherence decide accords sound policy"). 57 guided 2241, forgotten today. dismisses altogether seriousness underlying "[W]e self-confidence unfounded. unacceptably manipulating teachings succeeds avoiding attends 58 distinct dimensions. "safeguard[s] 'right claims potential domination branches government.' Will, 449 200, 218, 101 471, 482, 66 392 "serves 'an inseparable element checks balances' preserving Judicial Branch tripartite system" government. 3256, Pipeline, 58, 2864. Although, guarantee independent adjudicator, guarantee. 59 "Article 1, safeguards attempts 'transfer given cure subject-matter limitations notions serve institutional expected protect." 3256-3257 added; citations 60 attempted accommodate "abiding constitutionality magistrates." 863, "a question, "impermissibly intrude[s] province judiciary," 851-852, 3257. Trice, 864 1421, 1426 (CA8 1988), dism'd, 491 914, 3206, 714 (1989); 1434-1435 (CA5 banc), (1988). 61 Indeed, easy solution. (1980), suggests powers ultimate merits 2416 ("[A]lthough [Federal Act] proposed recommendations 'such weight [their] merit commands discretion warrants,' violate court" citation omitted)).7 availability upholding core tribunal. 853, 3258. means satisfying here. For, 944, doubts" possible. 62 contends difficulties, 'the jurisdiction.' 937, 2415. Schor underscore, meaningful observation requires," 939, equally unavailing. accomplished. answer strongly cannot. 63 ignores posed remain good law. consequence unfortunate, because, set forth above, coherent avoids problems entirely. When, conference, (in presence) magistrate," responded, Before herself your client selection?" Counsel answered "Yes, Honor." 5. After supervision, sworn, met unresolved time—or point trial—to Two events transpired thereafter. convicted counts. prior sentencing, announced objected). sought claim, below precluded him newly-discovered 67 matter, Freytag Commissioner, --- ---- - 2631, 2635-2636, (SCALIA, judgment). For proceedings embodied Rule Criminal Procedure 51, party, [trial] sought, [to] mak[e] known action desires party's grounds therefor." 68 51's command not, absolute. One hoariest precepts going litigation party. Freytag, 2636 exception here, relying statement lacked "jurisdiction preside" But, Easterbrook aptly observed, 'jurisdiction' many-hued term." 429, 431 (CA7), 497 3283, 792 used synonym "authority," technical involving Court; relevant jurisdiction; had. improperly personally goes lawfulness acted, act. 69 venerable contemporaneous-objection inapplicable advance current narrow contexts, overlook forfeiture. 52(b): notice "errors defects" brought attention "plain" "affec[t] rights." Young, 15, 12, 1046, contention falls into comes up admonition 52(b) applies errors obvious prejudicial. Frady, 456 152, 163, nn. 13, 14, 1584, 1592, 71 816 (1982). alleged obvious. tried, objected, Garcia, 848 1324 (1988), rev'd (1989). No Perhaps indication five Justices today hold all.* 70 "plain," extraordinary circumstances below. Glidden Zdanok, 370 530, 535-536, 82 1459, 1464-1465, 671 (1962) (Opinion ofHarlan, J.); Grosso 390 62, 71-72, 709, 715, 906 (1968); Hormel Helvering, 312 552, 556-560, 719, 721-723, 85 1037 (1941). allow event ineffective orally writing defendant. definition, will, ordinary applied, them: objects all. dismissed nature forfeiture, know and, so, form take. 3401(b) (defendant's writing). impediments proper claims, justified guide answers, cf. Valley Forge Christian College Americans Separation Church State, Inc., 454 464, 489, 752, 767, 700 (1982); Webster Doe, 592, 612-613, 2047, 2058-2059, 632 (1988) dissenting); statutes governing recognize eminently sensible Turning am agreement MARSHALL. driven primarily associated forcing adjudicate principles specifying situations, through (unspecified) mode ejusdem generis keeps swallowing rest (as respondent conceded) Having reached conclusion, difficult construction. constitutional, themselves used. 2669-2670. guarantees forced Branches let someone else powers—but itself alienate powers. Otherwise, doctrine unconstitutional (which plausibly Branches) dead letter, A.L.A. Schechter Poultry 295 495, 837, 79 1570 (1935), Panama Refining Ryan, 293 388, 241, 446 (1935) inexplicable. Pub.L. 90-578, 1108, amended, "THE COURT: Mr. Breitbart, selection? "MR. BREITBART: Yes, Honor. Lopez, proceed? LOPEZ: recognized: "The reach case: 'whether within meaning Id. [109 S.Ct.,] added); id. 2248 (rejecting government's harmless 'does officer exceeds jury'). left open magistrate." 308-309 1430 DeFiore, 720 757 1983), Coppola 466 906, 1684, 158 (1984); Rivera-Sola, 713 866 1983); Haith 342 1965). hardly created exceeded highest expectations legislators conceived modern practice, account staggering volume work. 1987, example, nearly half million proceedings. 100-293, 100th 2d Sess. reprinted 1988 5564. State '[i]n [in 1987] 134,000 preliminary cases; handled 197,000 references matters; reviewed 6,500 social security appeals 27,000 prisoner filings; 95,000 4,900 5565." 308. cited (1986), adjudicator: protect judiciary scheme Thomas [v. Union Carbide Agricultural Products 473 583, 3325, 3334, 409 ], safeguard 218 [101 392] Thomas, [473 U.S.,] 582-583 [105 3333-3334]; [Construction Co.], [50], [102 2864, ]. occasion significance latter safeguard, discussions 1's adjudication intimated personal, structural, interests. 90 2881] (REHNQUIST, (noting jurisdiction); 95 2884] (WHITE, dissenting) (same). Currie, Bankruptcy Independent Judiciary, Creighton L.Rev. 441, 460, (1983) (Article 'was risk executive pressure decision'). Crowell Benson, [285 22, 87, 285, 306, 76 (1932) dissenting)." 3255. 'magistrate States.' Read literally context appear, words explicitly "When creates office assigns outline attributes office. Any Thus 674-676, 2411-2412, (1980); Mathews Weber, 423 261, 96 549, 483 (1976); Wingo Wedding, 418 461, 94 2842, 879 (1974), interpreted purpose." 863-864, 2240-2241 emphasizes (1979) ("Because requirement, bench, bar, desire, competent"). 6167 (magistrate "assist variety thereby facilitating case"); 92-1065, (1972) 1972, pp. 3350, 3351 (magistrates "render valuable freeing cases"); 1629, (1968), 1968, 4252, 4255 (purpose "to cull ever-growing workload desirably lower tier officers"). 1319 J.) ("There assist done [E]ach instructed juror utilization. accomplishing objective"), nowhere listed responsibility. attention, referred "letter suggest[ing] 2247-2248, (1989) (1976)). qualify portion function, infallible accuracy. 873-876, 2246-2248. confident, defense deciding stress, regard, functions, Like "observe witnesses, determinations, weigh contradictory evidence," equivalent oversight. Alvarado, 253 1991); 1989); 1439-1440 (Jolly, concurring), 1990) ("it designate 636(b), selection"); 1438-1439 error); (1984). Martinez-Torres, 1552 banc); theme pervades history. 1469, 1471 (1979 Act) ("In whose end (same); 94-625, ("Without furnished devote various steps itself"); "[W]here indictment felony, commences least work empanelling begins." Lewis 146 370, 136, 137, 1011 (1892), Hopt Utah, 574, 578, 202, 204, 262 (1884). "[j]ury primary enforce ethnic, racial, political prejudice, predisposition culpability." 2246 (citations discerned recognition passage Speedy Trial 3161, placement relating chapter Rules entitled "Trial." citing Fed.Rules Crim.Proc. 24. "To detect prejudices, examiner—often, court—must elicit prospective candid answers intimate details lives. further scrutinize spoken gestures attitudes jury's impartiality. preserved review; transcript recapture atmosphere persist throughout 874-875, concedes "may accuracy." Ante,at 12. respect eliminate declining rationalization Insofar insists impossibility regardless Reports accompanying 1979 contained charts cataloging functions. determining mentioned 4-5 (1979); 3; 7; 5). Needless say, contain supervision. assumption predicating indicating "consent" think, strict elects writing. 636(a)(3) (incorporating 3401 Act). 'show[s] preserve principal—rather elective alternative—mode offense cases.' 24, (quoting Cong.Rec. 27342 (1968) (remarks Rep. Poff)). writing; fact, proffer form. Instead, accepts sufficient verbal remarks 2, evade pronouncing "control[s]" 938. repose identifies predicate 685, 2417 (BLACKMUN, assess prejudicial impact, 2248; Arizona Fulminante, 499 1246, 113 302

Category: 0