Document: 343 U.S. 181 72 S.Ct. 599 96 L.Ed. 872 STROBLEv.STATE OF CALIFORNIA. No. 373. Argued March 6, 1952. Decided April 7, Rehearing Denied May 12, See 952, 1039. [Syllabus from pages 181-182 intentionally omitted] Messrs. John D. Gray, A. L. Wirin, Los Angeles, Cal., for petitioner. Mr. Adolph Alexander, respondent. Justice CLARK delivered the opinion of Court. 1 Petitioner has been convicted first degree murder and sentenced to death. He asks this Court reverse his conviction as wanting in that due process law guaranteed against state encroachment by Fourteenth Amendment. claims (1) was based part on a coerced confession; (2) fair trial impossible because inflammatory newspaper reports inspired District Attorney; (3) he effect deprived counsel course sanity hearing; (4) there an unwarranted delay arraignment; (5) prosecuting officers unjustifiably refused permit attorney consult petitioner shortly after petitioner's arrest. urges each three circumstances is independently deprivation process; that, any event, combination all five operated deprive him trial. 2 The which occurred Monday, November 14, 1949; victim girl, aged 6. arrested around noon Thursday, 17, 1949. arraigned Angeles Municipal at 10 o'clock following morning, City Public Defender appointed represent him. A preliminary hearing held 21, bound over Superior County. On 25, County counsel. From point until conclusion trial, vigorously defended two deputies Defender's office. December 2, 1949, pleaded both 'not guilty' guilty reason insanity.' case came January 3, 1950. issue guilt tried jury, which, 19, returned verdict murder, without recommendation; under California law, automatically fixed penalty 20, 1950, waived jury insanity, court found sane time committing offense. 27, motion, private substituted February court, hearing, denied motion new arrest judgment, set aside waiver insanity. 3 appeal Supreme unanimously affirmed conviction. People v. Stroble, 36 Cal.2d 615, 226 P.2d 330. We granted certiorari seriousness allegations Due Process Clause. 342 811, 57. 4 facts leading may be summarized follows: 5 In early morning 15, victim's body behind incinerator back yard home daughter son-in-law. It wrapped blanket covered with boxes. necktie wound twice child's neck. An axe, knife, hammer were vicinity body. autopsy revealed immediate cause death asphyxia strangulation. also numerous lacerations top sides head, six skull fractures, deep laceration neck, abrasions discolorations back, irritation external genitalia, puncture wounds chest. 6 Suspicion immediately focused petitioner, who had visiting son-in-law day before, when disppeared. Some months before jumped bail charge molesting small girl never since apprehended. At approximately 11:50 a.m. entered bar restaurant downtown civilian recognized man whom police seeking connection murder. summoned officer, Carlson, thereupon 7 are some conflicts testimony, noted below. accompanied civilian, took park foreman's office nearby Pershing Square, where Carlson called headquarters report request car sent. Then presence foreman, proceeded search stand facing wall hands raised it feet away it. While being searched position, pulled closer then side shoe, kicked shoes toes order push into position. testified 'possibly' Carlson's foot slipped hit shin 'once or twice.' no did 'strike' 'inflict kind physical injury him.'1 No marks examined physician few hours later. appears searching out blackjack, nose, said either, Do you know what for?' 'Have seen this?' makes claim used blackjack waiting arrive asked whether 'mumbled something breath sounded like 'I guess I am." Thereupon, according foreman slapped open hand knocked off glasses. 8 Without undue arrived driven Attorney's Hall Building. en route one began conversation asking been. replied, 'Well, terrible thing happened, went down beach, Ocean Park. going do myself.' officer said, 'What mean thing?' 'When little got killed.' interposed, 'Do killed girl?' answered, 'Yes. beach. jump ocean commit suicide but decided would have pay other so might well come side.' not promise reward extend hope immunity, use force threats kind. officer's entire testimony regarding uncontradicted, and, insofar contains confession objection made ground such involuntary. 9 object however, introduction evidence arrival brought p.m., assistant district questioning nineteen persons, attache_s Attorney department. proceeding recorded recording machine operation arrival. stated afternoon daughter, visiting; bedroom advances upon her; she scream, became frightened, hold her throat, squeezed quiet; started squirm again, dresser tied neck; continued move, bed, blanket, temple obtained kitchen drawer; dragged across incinerator, get ice pick, pushed pick times effort reach heart; next axe garage head backbone; finally knife stabbed boxes, left Park, beach resort within city remained nights apprehension. Towards end threatened abused way, either disclosed mistreatment making confession. 11 lasted hours. About 45 minutes begun confession, attorney, room assistants handling case. Upon advised they busy Attorney. told conference could disturbed, Gray see uncontradicted department inspector present 'just wanted hear (petitioner's) lips not' committed 'so (he) back' son-in-law.2 admission questioned, talked completed. permitted evening. during substituted, request, Defender. 12 Shortly taken Dr. Marcus Crahan, hospital county jail, mental examination. witness carefully, including shins, bruises According examination very 'mistreated' given 'every consideration.' related Crahan details killing. 13 lodged jail night 18. 14 Thereafter, weeks' period between date arraignment beginning four psychiatrists3 clinical psychologist. To these persons recounted, greater lesser detail, just how gone about These experts, testifying (two having prosecution petitioner), them. time, now, confessions 15 charged consider unless voluntary; sole judge voluntariness; voluntary violence, abuse, threat, 'ny coaxing, cajoling, menacing influence induces mind defendant belief will gain advantage confession.' further fact while accused detained, represented counsel, statement him, does itself make involuntary, circumstance considered determining voluntariness admonished view caution purports relate oral defendant. 16 stated: 'We assume, matter shown,' involuntary.4 felt, 'could affected fairness trial,' 'thereafter least confessions, materially similar substance unquestioned admissibility, put evidence', '(i)t appear outcome differed' if excluded.5 Therefore concluded process. 17 take somewhat different view. If cannot stand, even though apart sufficient sustain jury's verdict. Malinski New York, 1945, 324 401, 402, 404, 65 781, 782, 783, 89 1029; Lyons Oklahoma, 1944, 322 596, 597 note 1, 64 1208, 1210, 88 1481. That prominent feature First stenographic transcript read, wire played jury. Under we say based, part, Since view, merely 'assume,' supreme must go determine question voluntariness. 18 much suggest action taking threats. His contention incidents office, coupled render latter 19 This frequently faced violation Clause Amendment involuntary independent determination undisputed facts. supra, page cases cited; 438, 798 (dissenting opinion). adhere rule. case, need confine ourselves facts; for, give benefit every doubt alleged coercion, think can fairly coercion's product. Whatever hour demand implicate himself. Likewise way admittedly voluntary. answered questions readily; none 'pressure unrelenting interrogation' condemned Watts Indiana, 338 49, 54, 69 1347, 1350, 93 1801. Indeed, record shows anxious confess anybody listen—and consulted before. willingness doctors appointed, free suggests strongly concluded, quite duress police, 'that wise clean breast guilt'. 604, 1213. light circumstances, unable result psychological. 20 turn now accounts area impossible—even weeks intervened Here permissible scope comment pending litigation, Bridges California, 1941, 314 252, 62 190, 86 192; Pennekamp Florida, 1946, 328 331, 66 1029, 90 1295; Craig Harney, 1947, 331 367, 67 1249, 91 1546; aroused prejudice community 'fatally infected' absence fundamental essential concept justice.' Lisenba 219, 236, 280, 290, 166. 21 apprehension attended publicity. Between arrest, newspapers general circulation featured banner headines 'manhunt' conducting printed extensive excerpts released press periodic intervals giving days later, reprinted full text read hearing. Most events billing front papers, large headlines. variously described, headlines news stories, 'werewolf,' 'fiend,' 'sex-mad killer,' like. announced sane. 22 spate publicity accompanying soon abated, however. During month December, only infrequently, plea 2. points certain month. Governor State special session legislature consider, among things, problem 'sex crimes'; one-day enforcement same subject; committee investigating sex crimes hearings why offenders 'shouldn't disposed way' mad dogs; various citizens' groups proposals studying dealing crimes. published events, reference charged. 23 Petitioner's reported newspapers, usually inside pages. phase coverage except newspapers' occasional 'werewolf.' 24 deprecate releasing press, made, find Thus event become available '(w)hat transpires public property.' 374, 1254. shown publication portion earlier prejudiced arriving their thereafter. 25 agree failed show 'necessarily prevent trial', 290. outset, should move change venue, although Penal Code explicitly provides whenever 'a impartial county' criminal pending, may, defendant, removed 'the proper convenient objection.'6 Of failure dispositive here, decide rather rejected merits federal constitutional claim.7 But, hysteria widespread significant deputy defenders vigorous defense throughout saw occasion seek transfer another prejudicial obtain 26 court's attention conviction, grounds support urged 'deprived presumption innocence premature release confession,' offered allegation replied '(T)he jurors thoroughly definitely innocence. * There nothing those ever papers papers. They fully far desired knowledge information case.'8 27 challenge court. stage proceedings affidavit prove juror stories. simply stories declare, contrary finding courts, necessarily do, where, appeared affirmative showing existed deliberation most features voluntarily introduced itself. 28 effective critical namely, himself, prior handled guilt, requested personally attend insanity issue.9 fail harmed As found, 'was familiar daily (his deputies) interviewed witnesses trial';10 moreover, consulting question, discussed deputies. reply inquiries judge, wished waive Furthermore, real sanity. additional instead parties stipulated adduced plus complete psychiatrists trial.11 Every psychiatrist testified, behalf prosecution, reached sought relating indicate available. conclude received assistance competent deciding others, afforded zealous earnest final argument Court.' Avery Alabama, 1940, 308 444, 450, 60 321, 324, 84 377.12 29 Nor refusal amounts unfairness deny less than twenty-four officials questioned two-hour described above. remainder devoted examination, objection. Counsel 9:30 p.m. evening arrest; presumably alone morning. Although promptly arraign magistrate law,13 determinative us. When process, illegal acts relevant bear through otherwise. 234, 235, 240, 288, 289, 291; 597, 1210; Gallegos Nebraska, 1951, 55, 59, 65, 141, 144, 147. conduct magistrate, 30 prosecutors admit interrogation inquire guilt. himself ask facts, interrupt almost hour, inquiry son-in-law, constitute conjunction attorneys always honor interview client, us prejudice. Adams United States ex rel. McCann, 1942, 317 269, 281, 63 242, 87 268: 'If adjudicatory naught, too burden sustained injustice seeks aside, speculation demonstrable reality.' 31 judgment affirmed. 32 Affirmed. 33 thus formulated indicated its conception allowable standards Clause: 34 'Defendant protect from, fostered, 'public pressure.' killing subsequent Immediately defendant's interrogated, confessed. completed statement, (including admissions play children occasions killing) (which later) notorious excitement, sensationally exploited newspaper, radio television, concerning crime particular. urges, unbiased requires actually influenced sensational popular hysteria. 35 'In pressure' calls (veteran defender J. Hill; counsel) closing argument: wish commentary Bench. refer televising pictures entering box, don't added case; yet conform, cooperate men, our fellow human beings vocation, therefore accept expect attracted attention, widely publicized, utterances radio, unduly accentuated importance (W)e shall slightest calm deliberation, dispassionate discussion, institutions live, proud: American trial.' 'It seems traditional 'American particularly sordid offense includes aspects mentioned understandingly Hill: over-stimulation, mass media communication, usual interest gruesome; immune passion.' 620—621, 330, 333, 334. 37 Thus, own reading record, tending establish outside courtroom avidly media, actively promoted prosecutor. sanctioned inevitable ingredient justice. sanction contradicts professions establishment basis takes place courtroom, subject judicial restrictions producing proof proceedings. Jurors best intentions world are, well-known phrase Holmes Hughes, JJ., 'extremely likely impregnated environing atmosphere.' Frank Mangum, 237 309, 345, 349, 582, 594, 595, 59 969. Precisely feeling cannot, utmost care, kept wholly endeavor civilized keep outside. prosecutor feed self-restrained ought publish anticipation prosecutor, wields power, conscious participant methods centuries experience indispensable administration Science instruments impact exploitation spent powerful impression inflaming articles here preceded dissipated average tame often pedestrian Moreover, 'there particular.' 38 And uphold affirmatively treats participation instigated trial." Such passion stirred explained (apart mere commercial revolting crime) want confidence orderly allow undisciplined, implies ascertainment established processes impatience calmer satisfy natural, primitive revulsion horrible vindicate sober second thoughts community. clear, dignity enhanced establishing unaided infusion extraneous passion. moral health strengthened miserable pathetic rights Constitution designed all. 39 branch Court's enter caveat. concerns legal significance attorney. assuming was, immaterial so-called confessions. my brethren disregards decision 1029. But despite character interpretation follow determination, evidence, finds defect. involves complex inevitably entangled assumptions parcel ultimate constitutionality. Baumgartner States, 665, 670—671, 1240, 1243, 1525. 'fact' involve application improper denial right accused. situation presented concludes coercion complicated factors included totality constitutes 40 items undisputed, meaning. 'Facts,' rudimentary, members lodge identify themselves badges. asserted right, foreclose considering labelling 'fact.' intimate local prosecutorial methods, coerced, believe appraisal self-willed. fortuitous foreclosed 41 Since, believe, reexamined would, aspect remand not, assumption, 42 DOUGLAS, BLACK concurs, dissenting. 43 My views illegality contained 56—57, 1351, 1801; Turner Com. Pennsylvania, 62, 66—67, 1352, 1353, 1354, 1810; Harris South Carolina, 68, 71—73, 1356, 1357, 1815. practice obtaining breeds third inquisition. long remains lawful incommunicado, infect trials commands law. 44 illustrate evils practice. arraignment, lawyer lawyer's repeated requests. allowed talk prisoner. lawless conduct, California. conduct; produced subsequently later lawfully immaterial. For once infects taint be. 46 talking save blows kicks police; assumed 'physical abuse psychological torture two.' 47 FRANKFURTER, 48 One attacking lacked initiated intrusion misconduct, contends, subverted determined Anglo-Saxon countries offend protects. verdict, ruling required chose so. invoke thereby tendered issue, recognizes, disposition. testify R. 287—288 (testimony Gray); 210 Inspector Donahoe). Three pursuant Cal.Penal Code, § 1027. 623, 335. 336. §§ 1033, 1035. Grayson Harris, 1925, 267 352, 358, 317, 319, 652; International Steel & Iron Co. National Surety Co., 1936, 297 657, 665—666, 56 619, 80 961; Indiana Anderson Brand, 1938, 303 95. 98, 58 443, 445, 82 685; Takahashi Fish Game Comm., 1948, 334 410, 414, 4, 68 1138, 1140, 92 1478. 361—362. defenders, forth below 628, 338—339. 338. challenged stipulation. stipulation states confidence, Adamson, 320, 13, office: 'This notice, too, difficult lawyers more experienced better qualified defending staff.' Cal.Const., Art. 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