Document: 417 U.S. 211 94 S.Ct. 2253 41 L.Ed.2d 20 William N. ANDERSON et al., Petitioners,v.UNITED STATES. No. 73—346. Argued March 19, 1974. Decided June 3, Syllabus For having conspired to cast fictitious votes for federal, state, and local candidates in a West Virginia primary election, petitioners were convicted of violating 18 U.S.C. § 241, which makes it unlawful conspire injure any citizen the free exercise or enjoyment right privilege secured by Constitution laws United States. At trial, over petitioners' objections, certain statements made two at election contest hearing held after results had been certified, on May 27, 1970, admitted evidence against all prove that making perjured themselves hearing. On appeal, contended first time 241 was limited conspiracies false federal elections, accordingly conspiracy charged their case, as far jurisdiction concerned, ended so subsequent out-of-court could not have furthered hence should evidence. The Court Appeals rejected these contentions, affirmed convictions. Held: 1. admissible under basic principles law conspiracy, regardless whether encompasses fraudulent state elections. Pp. 214—222. (a) hearsay, since they offered truth matter asserted; admissibility governed rule acts one alleged conspirator can be into other conspirators, if relevant existence even though may occurred ended. Lutwak v. States, 344 604, 73 481, 97 L.Ed. 593. 219—221. (b) Since jury did make preliminary finding still progress before consider them defendants, charged. P. 221. (c) Even fact underlying motive conspiracy. Accordingly, order challenge this evidence, there no need Appeals, is Court, decide 27 purposes applies 221—222. 2. amply supports verdict each engaged with intent candidates. 222—228. affect result rather than has significance, although single several purposes, them—whether secondary—violates law, law. 225 226. That purpose change outcome irrelevant, specific required but thereby voters expressions choice given full value, without dilution distortion balloting. 226—227. assuming, arguendo, candidates, plain error District Court's instructions focus specifically upon view prosecution's case showed entire slates defense consisted primarily Government witnesses' credibility, inconceivable that, more instructions, found offices also similar affecting offices. 227—228. 481 F.2d 685, affirmed. David Ginsburg, Washington, D.C., petitioners. Lawrence G. Wallace, respondent. Mr. Justice MARSHALL delivered opinion Court. 1 Petitioners which, pertinent part, persons 'conspire injure, oppress, threaten, intimidate him States . ..' Specifically, proved Logan County, Virginia. question arose concerning some them. In considering propriety decision admit thought necessary resolve opposed 241. convictions, concluding 'conspiracies, involving action least, dilute effect ballots candidate one's wholly elections.' 700—701 (1973). We granted certiorari question. 414 1091, 720, 38 548 (CA4 1973). It now appears, however, issue Accordingly we affirm judgment passing its interpretation 2 * facts are dispute. 12, nominating Senate, House Representatives, various One nominations most actively contested County Democratic nomination Commissioner, an office vested wide variety legislative, executive, judicial powers.1 Among incumbent, Okey Hager, his major opponent, Neal Scaggs. 3 county officials, including Clerk Circuit Sheriff Deputy State Senator. trial using power office, convinced three officals charge Mount Gay precinct voting machines then destroy poll slips number who actually voted determined except from machine tally.2 While apparent record behind casting secure Hager equally clear about 100 only Senator Robert Byrd Representative Ken Hechler, appeared ballot renomination respective chambers Congress, well considered part slate.3 4 achieved objective, countywide vote totals showing winner 21 votes, counting returns. About weeks certified. After date, Scaggs filed contest4 challenging returns, Commissioner votes. No made, either offices, became final 27. 5 A Earl Tomblin John R. Browning gave sworn testimony. prosecution sought continuing effort counted example, key issues sufficient turned out justify unusually high reported testified oath he visited day observed Garrett Sullins went vote. $241 testimony himself hospital never day. 6 defendants objected introduction Tomblin's prior ground inadmissible anyone Tomblin. overruled objection instructed bearing guilt innocence, unless determine testimony, existed between furtherance innocence defendants. Browning's cautionary instruction when overruled. 7 oral argument time5 link particular See F.2d, 694. argued elections apply present date returns certified final. Statements conspirator, continued, not, therefore determining 8 countered enunciated 593 (1953). decided tarry point instead, own words, chose 'to meet directly contention certification contests 698. think inadvisable, reach fashion pass important questions statutory construction simpler, settled, grounds available deciding hand. our view, set down dispositive evidentiary claims. 9 doctrine declarations used another declaration during course charged, well-recognized exception hearsay would otherwise bar such declarations. supra, U.S., 617, S.Ct., 489. Krulewitch 336 440, 69 716, 93 790 (1949). hearsay-conspiracy while progress, limitation 'scrupulously observed.'6 443—444, 718—719. 617 618, 489—490; Fiswick 329 211, 217, 67 224, 227, 91 196 (1946); Wong Sun 371 471, 490, 83 407, 418—419, 441 (1963). 10 But, emphasized Lutwak, requirement shown thereof arises because hearsay. ongoing inapplicable Thus concluded 'even might ended.' Chase, 372 453 1967); Note, Developments Law—Criminal Conspiracy, 72 Harv.L.Rev. 920, 988 (1959). 11 obvious then, not. Out-of-court constitute asserted.7 Browning, anything asserted therein. Quite contrary, prosecutor's introducing those simply made8 establish foundation later showing, through false.9 rationale well. justification exclusion lack opportunity adversary cross-examine absent declarant whose statement introduced evidence.10 Here, contending said true, interest cross-examining put credibility issue.11 Cf. Pointer Texas, 380 400, 85 1065, 13 923 (1965); Barber Page, 390 719, 88 1318, 255 (1968); Bruton 391 123, 1620, 476 (1968). 12 way As read record, doubt perjury Government's ended, jurisdiction, rested aspect proof limited. entitled conspirators convince jury, beyond reasonable doubt, unlawfully election. suggested Hechler needed assistance win nomination, prosecution, accepting sake why stake helped demonstrating officers end themselves, obtain Hager's means. inferred motivated conceal large numbers likely aroused suspicion absence 14 offense us, II 15 argue, insufficient show convictions stand hold section applicable election.12 Our examination leads us conclude otherwise. 16 Two form backdrop analysis record. established gravamen must offender acted interfere rights Guest, 383 745, 753—754, 86 1170, 1175—1176, 239 (1966); Screws 325 91, 65 1031, 89 1495 (1945). Moreover, scrutinize special care for, indicated related context, 'charges piling inference inference, thus fashioning dragnet draw substantive crimes.' Direct Sales Co. 319 703, 711, 63 1265, 1269, 87 1674 (1943). Ingram 360 672, 680, 79 1314, 1320, 1503 17 caveats mind, find bears officers. chief witness Cecil Elswick, unindicted coconspirator served Republican officer Elswick approached petitioner Red son told go along else he, cause trouble. When asked direct whom precinct, testified: 'For slate Hechler.' App. 40. expressed going along, arranged meeting confirmed offer part-time deputy sheriff job reward help fraud. met W. Bernard Smith how proceed night five cash payments discussed putting 'all votes' machine. Later evening, accompanied visit Sullins, justice peace listed slate. worry 'slated,' long Sullins' wife, official, illegal voting. machines. voter came slate, Mrs. join and, aligning bodies what doing, addition, many ballots. Through comparison voted, every office—federal, local. n. supra. 19 supported jury's conclusion knowingly participated contemplated tended objective encompassed Hechler. True, little discussion among per se, just believe reflection conspirators' assumption fraud undetected. err seeking attach significance secondary—be violation 679—680, 1319—1320. settled embraces stuff box officers, value qualified voters; see Saylor, 322 385, 64 1101, 1341 (1944). Mosley, 238 383, 35 904, 59 1355 (1915). This general Classic, 313 299, 61 1368 (1941). irrelevant. express effect, being diluted distorted 386, 1102. court stated: 22 'The deposit forged boxes, small great number, dilutes influence honest greater less degree immaterial. (count) possessed elector, extent importance nullified, injured States.' Prichard 181 F. 23 2d 326, 331 (CA6), aff'd due quorum, 339 974, 70 1029, 1380 (1950). 24 Every chance winning losing, fairly counted, fraudulently And, whatever motive, within meaning 241.13 25 respect instructions. Johnson 318 189, 200, 549, 554—555, 704 (1943); Adickes S. H. Kress & Co., 398 144, 147 2, 90 1598, 1602—1603, 26 142 (1970). here. earlier, witnesses, coconspirators. ultimately hinged disbelieve Given inappropriate vehicle intimate views Affirmed. 28 DOUGLAS, BRENNAN concurs, dissenting. 29 imposes criminal penalties 'two affirmed, racial discrimination, reached substance question, holding Federal punish poison officials took 698—700. today avoids squarely presented 'bears officers.' 30 reviewing I am left affirming theory agreed convicting guilty jury. phrased require 'verdict' effect. hardly conclusive, failure deemed harmless error. Fed.Rule Crim.Proc. 52(a). 31 Because intended does abscond element dissent. allowing convict electoral process, improper, harmless. 32 Senate Representatives County. incumbent challenger, Scaggs, bitter Commissioner. petitioners, induced Gay, Virginia, precinct. There included nominees acknowledges, 'it Commissioner.' nonetheless finds necessarily agreement 33 notes, stringent scienter imposed seeks prosecute requiring 'specific intent' protected 241.1 standard 'in open defiance reckless disregard constitutional definite.'2 impairment exacting actions measured. 34 From first, proceeded indictment nominate Senator, positions. willfully impairing 'for aforesaid offices' value. distinction Efforts clarify charges futile. judge denied motion dismiss, failed adequately particularize violation. bill particulars requested elucidation formed basis indictment. denied, charging, crime, impair tried substantial demonstrate nomination. others polling place tell running But conclusive nearly 2,000 pages transcript four agreed, other, candidates.3 36 closing essence carefully focused attention committed regards election: 37 'I you government's get elected father others, got drawnout procedure involved there.' reinforced crucial reprinted Appendix opinion, conspirators. Throughout reiterated crime 'injure oppress cast, recorded, value.' 39 'You undiminished undiluted presence guaranteed context (18 241). 40 '. (I)f intentionally defendant co-conspirator produce 1970 intention injury oppressing citizens rights, indictment.' conviction conspirators; enough 'right vote' 'illegal ballots' 'voting rights,' accepted inevitable, affirms. 42 counsel object where fundamental properly submit essential elements offense, interests fair play demand take note. Fisher 328 463, 467—468, 66 1320—1321, 1382, 107, 1038, (opinion Douglas, J.); 52(b). 43 concedes 'did focus' problem 'we well.' (Emphasis added.) 44 cannot agree assumption. agreeing achieving proscribed objective. '(I)t kind understanding defendant.' Borelli, 376, 384 (Friendly, J.) (emphasis added); Law Criminal 929—930. objectives individual adopted another, latter achieve count do sustained. Yates 354 298, 329—331, 77 1064, 1082—1083, 1356. 45 prosecutor argument, demonstrated scheme contest, necessary. lower quantum condidates suspicion, felt would.4 Ballot splitting, disparate prevalent election.5 closely contested, naturally races.6 And assume sophisticated presume also. reveals unsophisticated, bludgeonlike minimal niceties covering up crossed minds province, ours, 46 slenderness reed affirmance rests assertions 'could believe' reflected 'assumption' inferred' (have) believe(d)' misses point, convict. accorded traditional sanctity, premised erroneous Burton 202 344, 373—374, 688, 695—696, 50 1057. passed guided proper circumstantial lead infer weighing task, sparse impossible me conclude, inevitable very requires remanded new trial. 47 where, here, discrimination. construed fashion. 48 conspiracies. noted language sweeps broadly guarantee "any States," F.2d., 699, 239, Price, 787, 1152, 267, stated violate Fourteenth Amendment interference color Equal Protection Clause. recently defined, reasoned valid acting instant citing Reynolds Sims, 377 533, 84 1362, 506. resulted denial equal protection encompass 49 ignores Congress manifested legislative history intend malfeasance bias power. unwillingness control Section originally Enforcement Act 1870, Stat. 141. comprehensive body legislation months ratification Fifteenth Amendment, Governments 'on account race, color, previous condition servitude.' authorized enforce article appropriate legislation.' clause impetus Act. 51 What amendment Pool North Carolina, referred 'rights conferred fourteenth amendment.' Cong.Globe, 41st Cong., Sess., 3611. conceived possibility discrimination.7 hand, rest demonstrates adopting Pool's amendment, frauds, 52 1870 concerned suffrage, ample elucidating congressional regarding both sections purported deal perceived flow Amendment,8 infringement servitude.? staunchest supporters conceded critical following colloquy, Edmunds Vermont, floor managers Act, id., 3753, Morton Indiana, supporter punished white black, extant, jurisdiction: 53 'Mr. MORTON. suffrage States; conferring colored men, amend purpose. provided fifteenth 'the shall abridged State, proposition call this: now, before, completely violations away deny servitude, amendment. 54 provision punishing servitude. 55 EDMUNDS. difference is, black white. 56 Not bit. which; man man, interfere; interfere. suppose board registration inspectors nothing color; enactment before? 57 Nobody, think, claim have. say so.' 3571. 58 debate, Sherman Ohio, ardent advocate proposed add it. These sections, slight changes §§ 20, 21, designed frauds Sherman's comments desire 'invade state,' 3664, reflect belief precondition Senators Congressmen bias, virtue authority Art. I, 4, Constitution.9 describing amendments adoption Bingham manager House, prevent voting, advised, alter existing regulations touching registration; simple expressly regulate members Delegates Congress. They deem further point.' 3872. 60 Only nine later, same Force 1871, 433, supplemented supplying independent enforcement machinery affirmatively ensure appointed supervise elections; normal processes suppressed. protect bill, Churchill New York, 'But, Speaker, years past grave doubts prevailed different portions country declared truly will people. With regard minor communities exists, determined, communities. intrusted reserved itself rules conducted 3d 1274. 62 vein, Bingham, again caution interfering responsibility manage asserting: willing up, let people speak interferes If choose mere so; majority Union nation represented State. thoughtful words makers support right. manner wrongfully impaired.' Id., 1284.10 Thus, concurrent races occur broad Guest Price authorize conclusion. discrimination Clause 'firmly precisely consistent line decisions Court.' 754, 1175. true connotation indication process. 801, 1160. application 'does raise federal-state relationships.' 806, 1163. Those case. indicates reaches heart relations, permitting intrusion intrusions attempted avoid 1871. civil protections animus, strictly construed, 'plainly unmistakably' assert activity. Bass, 404 336, 348, 92 515, 522, 488; Gradwell, 243 476, 485, 410, 857. Here plainly apparently quite opposite. '(B)ecause seriousness penalties, punishment usually represents moral condemnation community, legislatures courts define policy embodies instinctive distaste men languishing prison lawmaker clearly should." 523. neither nor 'inconceivable' Hager. least APPENDIX TO OPINION OF J., DISSENTING Excerpts Jury Instructions 68 beginning 1st May, until unlawfully, known unknown grand privileges recorded alleges objects caused procedures methods illegal, returned total impairing, diminishing, diluting destroying legally, honestly violates Title Code, statute cited provides You charging statute. 71 states causing violated counted. government contends co-conspirators named indictment, Elwood Sloan, Calvin Napier, Mae Stollings, Minerva Richards, Janet perhaps together attempting pertaining handling solicting commission primary, resulting impairment, lessening legally cast. contends, course, done 18, designated tells offense. them, deliberately knowledge suffrage. 74 Now, legal presumption natural probable consequences acts, know federally Constitutionally right, consequently, sits central governmental county. ex rel. Dingess 195 S.E.2d 724, 726 (W.Va.1973). W.Va.Code Ann., 7—1—3 seq. (1969). participation threats arrest, promises jobs money. Of 541 eligible 222 dead, hospital, prison. maximum 306 voted. Observers throughout estimated 275 Nevertheless 348 Congressman, 358 458 Delegates, 375 (long term), 365 (short Peace, Constable. presiding judges, August 25, 1970. Although September 17, 3—7—7, enter period. appealed intermediate appellate court, appeal. Supreme ruled lacked rendered allowed. Oakley, 154 W.Va. 528, 177 585 Other briefs pursued include mute, suggestion Miranda problems, impeachment exercised testify. recognized ordinarily court. Hormel Helvering, 312 552, 556, 721, 1037 exceptions, particularly cases notice errors seriously fairness integrity proceedings. Atkinson, 297 157, 160, 391, 392, 80 555 (1936). 557, 721. objection. limitations notion partners crime. Socony-Vacuum Oil 310 150, 253, 811, 858, 1129 (1940); 216, (1946). such, deems agents another. agent bind principal scope authority, partner. 442—443, 717—718, (1949); 227; generally J. Wigmore, Evidence 1077—1079 (Chadbourne rev. 1972). 1361 (3d ed. 1940); C. McCormick, 460 (1954). statement. Dutton Evans, 400 74, 88, 210, 219, 213 (1970) Stewart, J.). Creaghe Iowa Home Mut. Cas. 323 981 (CA10 1963); General Tire Miami Beach, Inc. NLRB, 332 (CA5 1964); Safeway Stores, Combs, 273 295 1960); Ford Motor Webster's Auto Sales, Inc., 361 874 (CA1 1966). opening said: show, frankly, perjurious lies. Some it, solicited defendants.' 22. argument. Tr. 1851—1852. 7, 1362. Colorificio Italiano Max Meyer, S.P.A. S/S Hellenic Wave, 419 223 1969); Rossville Salvage Corp. E. Graham (CA3 Superior Engraving 183 783 (CA7 1950), cert. 340 930, 95 671 (1951). Technically, proffered reading calling person heard rule, permits transcripts proceeding. 1681. Nor right-of-confrontation suggest below accurately briefing parties appear assumed sufficiency-of-the-evidence seems clear, petition writ certiorari. Tomblin, connection nevertheless recognize petioners unconstitutionally vague, gist survive dismiss around raised occasion note, based lacking serious overtones. See, e.g., Thompson City Louisville, 362 199, 624, 654 (1960); Florida, 596, 1713, 838 Adderley 385 39, 44, 242, 245, 149 (1966). particularity, consideration (1945) Lawn 355 339, 16, 78 311, 324, 321 (1958). merit vague. public conspiring specifies Pet. Cert. 3b. adequate concede, prosecutions. (1944); Kantor, 710 (CA2 1935); Walker (CA8 1937); Ledford 155 574 733, 96, 634 785—786, 1192—1193 (Brennan, concurring dissenting); 806 1163, 267; Williams, 341 70, 93—95, 581, 593—595, 758 (Douglas, 101—107, 1035—1038, 105, 1037; Government, Bernerd 'how election,' reference 'Elswick urging registered slate: 'Bernard mostly spokesmen sure there, fifty, kept saying, 'Put on." 632. (Long Term), Peace Constable, Representative. Hager-Scaggs Commissioner's race reversed Gay. level, virtually unopposed renomination. incumbents, won 346 six 10. remarks appendix 807—820, 1163—1170. Cong.2d 3503 (Rep. Bingham); 3359 (Sen. Stewart); 3564 Pool); 3567 Stockton). Article provides: Times, Places Manner Elections prescribed Legislature thereof; Regulations, chusing Senators.' orig- inally regulation Presidential electors, quickly deleted pointed 3670. proposing amendments, '(Senator Thurman) admits discriminating all, believe, claimed side Chamber President, grievance feel ought dealt moment, us; become magnitude people; open, glaring wholesale cities country, subverted. official documents Houses growing evil trampling representation Senators. particular, accordance provisions mode electing (Art. 4) .. said, received sanction committee examined whole subject, invade 'In my national prescribe, Constitution, qualification voters.' 3663—3664. Ohio: LAWRENCE. enact trust, much heart, wit, purity ballot-box, execute already enacted, highest duty intervene elective franchise force leaving provide 'It improperly tampers Congress; JONES, Kentucky. gentleman ask Congress? propose all.' 1276.

Category: 0