Document: 454 U.S. 201 102 S.Ct. 233 70 L.Ed.2d 345 George A. RALSTON, Warden, Petitioner,v.John Carroll ROBINSON. No. 80-2049. Argued Oct. 5, 1981. Decided Dec. 2, Rehearing Denied Jan. 25, 1982. See 455 929, 1293. Syllabus Respondent, when 17 years old, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced 10 years' imprisonment under the Federal Youth Corrections Act (YCA), 18 U.S.C. § 5010(c). Subsequently, while incarcerated, he found of assaulting a federal officer, District Court imposed an adult sentence be served consecutively YCA sentence, finding that respondent would not benefit from any further treatment YCA. Later, still another charge him then serving. The Bureau Prisons classified as offender, accordingly, since time, has been segregated prisoners offered rehabilitative initial trial court recommended. After exhausting his administrative remedies, filed petition for habeas corpus. granted writ, Appeals affirmed, holding forbids reevaluation by second judge, even if judge makes offender. Held: does require remainder youth where imposing subsequent determines, here, such will offender further. Pp. 206-220. (a) strongly endorses judge's discretionary power choose among available sentencing options, prescribes certain basic conditions offenders. By determining should YCA, in effect decides must comply with both segregation requirements statute. Correctional authorities may exercise powers established 206-210. (b) language 5010(c) authorizing "sentence custody Attorney General supervision" pursuant 5011 providing "[c]ommitted offenders . shall undergo institutions provide essential varieties treatment" "such other offenders," prohibit modification terms before its expiration. That is, make irrevocable determination or needs, nor preclude redetermining those needs light intervening events. 210-211. (c) On hand, give independent authority deny adults mandates. 211-213. (d) purposes revealed structure legislative history, compel conclusion faced choice sentences serving term is deprived option no term. Such history also demonstrate Congress' intent court—but prison officials—may serve after received consecutive When Congress withdrew officials some their traditional adjust confinement, it could have intended one authority, only reasonable being reposed court. 213-217. (e) standards district apply whether obtain are different applied originally. In all relevant factors, can sound discretion receive term, judgment informed YCA's offender's realistic circumstances. Here, made sufficient during P. 218-219. 642 F.2d 1077 (7th Cir.), reversed remanded. David Strauss, petitioner, pro hac vice, special leave Court. Jerold S. Solovy, Chicago, Ill., respondent. Justice MARSHALL delivered opinion 1 We certiorari this case, 452 960, 101 3107, 69 970 (1981), decide who 5005 et seq., sentence. Courts conflict on issue.1 conclude determines Accordingly, we reverse Appeals. 2 * 1974 respondent, 10-year recommended placed at Kennedy Center Morgantown, W. Va.; released until had attained least eighth-grade level education successfully completed trade own choosing; participate intensive, individual therapy weekly basis complete psychological returned community. like sentences, contemplated 5011. 3 Respondent's conduct exemplary. 1975, incarcerated Institution (FCI) Ashland, Ky., officer use dangerous weapon, violation §§ 111 1114. United States Eastern Kentucky additional stated commitment order: "The finds defendant provisions [YCA] declines said act." receiving presentence report, reduced 66 months, transferred institution "to facility greater security." 4 Respondent Oxford, Wis. Subsequent disciplinary problems resulted transfer FCI Lompoc, Cal. 1977, confined institution, officer. Central California 5010(d) year day ordered run concurrent 5 time,2 prisoners, acted written policy adult. implementing requirements, narrowly defines "YCA Inmate" "any inmate USC Section 5010(b), (c), state federal." Policy Statement 5215.2, p. (Dec. 12, 1978) (emphasis added). 6 exhausted remedies corpus May 1978. Magistrate which treatment. Southern Illinois issued order granting affirmed Seventh Circuit. (1981). held explicit rejected petitioner's broader argument vests modify felony. 7 January 9, 1982, conditionally begin first II 8 Dorszynski v. States, 418 424, 94 3042, 41 855 (1974), exhaustively analyzed structure, underlying policies From analysis, two principles emerge. First, options. Second, 9 Dorszynski, THE CHIEF JUSTICE, writing Court, principal purpose rehabilitate persons who, because youth, unusually vulnerable danger recidivism: "To accomplish objective, judges were given new alternatives add array options previously them .: first, they enabled commit eligible Act. 5010(b) (c). believed did need commitment, authorized place probation 5010(a). If chose alternative, committed program created Act." Id., 433, S.Ct., 3048.3 11 wishes do so 5010(d). majority "no benefit" invoke subsection, but statement reasons justify decision. Both concurring opinions emphasized disturb broad traditionally choosing appropriate sentences. U.S., 436-442, 3049-52; id., 450, 3056 (MARSHALL, J., whom Douglas, BRENNAN, Stewart, JJ., joined, judgment). 12 reiterated courts retain significant control over Durst 434 542, 98 849, 55 14 (1978), unanimously permits impose fine restitution places BRENNAN explained Act: 13 core concept England's Borstal System upon modeled, substituted retribution goal. incorporate three features thought operation successful program: flexibility variety settings programs tailored needs; separation hardened criminals; careful flexible duration supervised release." 545-546, 851 (footnotes omitted). A important feature empowers, indeed requires, prescribe This prescription ensures treatable criminals, care. 15 segregate criminals drew attention history. Proponents statute criticized practice "herding maturity, novice sophisticate, impressionable hardened, subjecting evil influences older teaching criminal techniques. ." H.R.Rep. 2979, 81st Cong., 2d Sess., 2-3 (1950); see 96 Cong.Rec. 15036 (1950), U.S.Code Cong. & Admin.News 1950, pp. 3983, 3985. concern expressed statutory requirement adults. 5011.4 More generally, "[t]he panoply evidence sufficiently comprehensive deal 'incorrigible' youth." supra, 449, 3055 judgment) (footnote 16 allocates responsibility unusual way. Under statutes, almost unlimited security believe appropriate. different. confinement: Brown Carlson, 431 F.Supp. 755, 765 (WD 1977); Hearings 1114 2609 Subcommittee Senate Committee Judiciary, 1st 43-44 (1949) (statement Judge Parker) (hereinafter 1949 Hearings); Report Judicial Conference Punishment Crime 8-9 (1942). retains infra, 211, limited these requirements. passage buttresses correctional proposal, American Law Institute model Act, removed altogether authority. Not surprisingly, proposal brought swift sharp criticism whose sharply curtailed. next Conference, involved shared between authorities. It met similar criticism. finally enacted into law, retained judge." 446-447, 3054 joined 19 demands thoroughly understand facts needs. Thus, provides opportunity extremely 5010(e). S.Rep. 1180, (1949); Hearings, 18-19 Chief Laws); H.R. 2139 2140 Before House 78th 63-64 (1943) Laws). With framework mind, review parties' arguments. III 20 asserts express prohibits points 5010(c), authorizes supervision chapter period [beyond six years] law offense discharged [United Parole] Commission." relies 5011, treatment," "[i]nsofar practical, agencies used offenders, classes according language, argues cannot modified expires. 21 persuaded interpretation. 5010 enables determine original beneficial, 5010(a), (b), request information Once requires carry out mandate respect read requiring precluding 22 At extreme, petitioner gives Petitioner believes offense. reject extraordinarily interpretation, interpretation grant 23 Prison degree responsible studying 5014, confining affording "under [the Director Bureau] best designed protection public." 5015(a)(3). agency 5015(a)(2) wide institutional settings. Moreover, recommend conditional release otherwise consult Parole Commission implementation 5015(a)(1), 5016, 5017. 24 However, imposes commits "for chapter." elements mandatory treatment: youths "provide treatment"; second, treatment." These statutorily mandated, discharge responsibilities within constraints.5 25 Even asserted right treat accordance Statement, 205, assertion much too broad. adult—even remained year. unreasonable, callous, assume example underscores importance leaving decisions rather than officials. fatal defect determination—whether treatment—that judge. IV 26 No provision explicitly governs issue us. describes conviction elucidate what convicted crime statute, however, 27 5010(d), applicable penalty provision." thus case. question Although expressly authorize unexpired implicitly determination, well beneficial. assuredly either determination. 28 Our reveals discussion court's sentence; apparently consider specific problem. But might fail, protective lengthy confinement commenting section, states: "This affords avail itself bill same time insure public efforts rehabilitation fail." 3986.6 29 discussed above, 206-210, treatment, individualized programs, part sponsors repeatedly prevent becoming recidivists, insulate insidious influence more experienced criminals. Housing incorrigible show promise purpose. Third, decision employ unique methods exclusively particular class futile, court, 30 Finally, result inflexible rule requiring, many cases, continuation futile invests about conditions. 31 find support fact that, several circumstances, initially treated sentence.7 For example, suspended 5010(a).8 5010(a) subsequently assault, crime, both, immediately. fact, incarcerated. hardly seems logical immediate respondent's simply originally harsher incarceration. 32 concedes term.9 commence every prior termination violates committing revoked immediately imposed, notwithstanding yet expired. much, challenge commencement though remain. 33 therefore Only meaning "[W]e cannot, absence unmistakable directive, construe manner runs counter goals effectuate." FTC Fred Meyer, Inc., 390 341, 349, 88 904, 908, 1222 (1968). hold continuing further.10 V 34 Of course, crime. adopt rigid type urged petitioner. Rather, circumstances 35 Applying us, term.11 "further" declined instead sentence.12 future, expect eliminate interpretive difficulties making sentence.13 36 conclusion, convinced intend person serious crimes automatically proved futile. carefully Prisons, evaluate programs—are consistent time. comports overriding "once [is] execution fit person, crime." 434, 3048.14 37 remand case proceedings opinion. 38 ordered. 39 POWELL, judgment. 40 presented thereafter adult, nevertheless separated I agree answer negative. write separately me Court's opinion, addressing broadly (the Director), unnecessarily curtailing act cases. prisoner longer entitled imprisonment. confine concurrence Director. 42 1974. 1975 guard weapon. He "that [respondent] Offenders decline[d] report took actions. five one-half years, recommended—but order—that "be [the] 1977 again guard. sentencing. Two certified shown incorrigibility capacity violence warrants 43 my view, certainly directs "undergo maximum security, medium minimum types. " '[T]reatment' means corrective preventive guidance training protect correcting antisocial tendencies 5006(f). Director, inter alia, "order afforded 5015(a)(3) institution." 5015(b) "Insofar 44 contains directions continue indefinitely matter how clearly be. emphasis 5005, 5017, 5018, 5020. command qualified phrase practical." limits conferred. easy view convictions findings courts. plainly authority—indeed duty—to "facility properly defer Director's continued "practical" felony convictions, there occasions when, threat safety others, highly impractical center. As confronted situation limit our record us general 45 STEVENS, O'CONNOR join, dissenting. 46 common amended subject limitation "a punishment already partly suffered increased."1 distinction amend mitigate punishment, increase it," Benz, 282 304, 307, 51 113, 114, 75 L.Ed. 354, recognized again.2 Whether well-settled prohibiting increasing severity become final constitutionally mandated,3 unquestionably sort disregard without authorization Congress.4 47 firm rejection convert severe sentence.5 Nor "assume departure well-established doctrine clear expression disavow it." 441, 3052, 855. undisputed congressional intent. Indeed, confirms proposition.6 novel supported nothing inferences drawn "history YCA." ante, 214. Manifestly, insufficient judicial rewriting "has accurately described most concerned sentencing." 432, 3047. 48 rests premise corrigible housed continued. derogation whenever convince Ante, 214-215. All true, follow less drastic solution objectives ascribed Congress. thereby end treatment.7 if, nonetheless effectuate exercising terminate allow commence. severity.8 49 better. notes "in sentence." 215. examples set forth margin.9 disagree imposition entitle full length interim, subjected each examples. agree, continues None poses situation; hence reason suppose final. footnote, [to] reduce changed circumstances." 215, n. original); 5021, 5023. 50 There therefore, text, supports final.10 apart constitutional problem holding, 3, fatal.11 reached today, good just opposite. enacting number qualitatively equal length.12 (up years) upheld against challenges reasoning early JUSTICE Circuit often quoted thereafter: 52 "[T]he theory sense regarded comprising quid quo ordinary prison. [T]he 'provides youthful heavier penalties escape physical shocks traumas attendant penal obtaining benefits looking social redemption restoration.' Carter 113 U.S.App.D.C. 123, 125, 306 283, 285 (1962) (quoting Cunningham 256 467, 472 (CA5 1958)).13 53 consequence justifies generally receive. Watts Hadden, 651 1354, 1365 (CA10 1981); ex rel. Dancy Arnold, 572 107, (CA3 1978). coincidence releases sentences.14 proponents rehabilitated custodial sentences.15 proposed 1949, adult-length completely unrelated effort; far long short.16 promises justified 54 able vanishes. up, lengthier paid price avoid. Furthermore, good-time allowances adults.17 humanitarian fundamental unfairness.18 known expiration discounted reflect possibility.19 possibility, elected stand plead guilty.20 Speculation kind21 unnecessary enlarge written. amendment needed foresee, Congress—not Court—that perform task. 56 purport know effective general, useful offender.22 legal raised task earlier later take himself enhance well. obvious belabor it. 57 respectfully dissent. gave affirmative presented. Third Circuit, Thompson 624 415 (1980), negative answer, treating Fourth Outing Bell, 632 1144 cert. denied sub nom. Smith, 450 1001, 1710, 68 203 never non-YCA disputes assertion, frequent transfers lends credence claim. Given disposition address issue. 5017(c), indeterminate lesser 5017(d), derive convicted. latter term; (second-degree murder) life full: "Committed types, including schools, hospitals, farms, forestry camps, designate, aside, adapt Department Insofar consistently ignore obligations agreed possesses complying requirement. arises 4, supra. See, e.g., 1354 (CA4 1980), (1981); 107 1978); Harvin 144 199, 445 675 (en banc), denied, 404 943, 92 292, 257 (1971); 755 Wis.1977); Johnson 487 977 (ED Mich.1980). scope practicality exception reliance misplaced. "hardened" "impractical" courts, determined consequently integrated really questions wisdom, practicality, explanation hearings Chairman drafted bill. 62 Phillips). Laws) (section "if feels calling existing statutes respond short adverse enforcement law. ."). contemplates sentence—a "the suspend probation." unconditionally probationary certificate effect. 5021. F.2d, 421. virtue 5023(a), incorporates 3653. probation, revoking 551, 854, (1978) (§ 5023(a) "preserve[s] 5010(a)"). execution. immediately, doubt not, option. anomalous permit effect, sanction National Advisory Criminal Standards Goals, Sentencing Standard 5.6 (1973); Campbell, 76 (1978). preferable form Dept. Justice, Uniform Commissioners' Model 3-107(c) (1979). difference future shorter ultimate length; wishing accordingly. characteristics complaint "revoke" To sure, left undisturbed, events indicate unduly lenient. "revoked," i.e., length. tradition vested tailor official's misconduct considered "revocation" recognition think policy. reasons, impermissible dissenting inconsistent common-law 'a increased.' Post, 223. provided 3651 5010. "increase" dissent reviews selective portions addresses critical point. decided invest officials, STEVENS candidly admits recommends "serve offender." 233-234. shortsighted. examining grants judges, refuse close eyes Apparently, existed here. belief sheer speculation. all, emphasize, recommendation security" exceeds 5010(b). recognize effectively serves receive, and, so, Equal Protection Clause. Cf. (longer constitutional, "essentially equated incarceration prison") (Burger, J.). keep considerations mind deciding insists applies "longer receive." 231. speculation—as suggestion converted entitlement exists, deprivation due process double jeopardy. Because lower occasion issues, 1079, instance. implies violate Double Jeopardy 224, 3. deserves response. contain possibility offense, terms. scheme constitutes multiple has, actions, triggered condition confinement. raise jeopardy DiFrancesco, 449 117, 137, 426, 437, 328 (1980); 148, 443 (no notice conditional, "revocation parole results change circumstance probation") (BRENNAN, WHITE, MARSHALL, dissenting). Ex parte Lange, Wall. 163, 168, 872 (1874) (Double Clause offers "complete party facts, offence") "As practice, record, session entered, session, increased." F. Wharton, Pleading Practice 913, 641 (9th ed. 1889) added) (quoted 354). e. g., Whalen 684, 703, 100 1432, 1444, 63 715 (REHNQUIST, dissenting); North Carolina Pearce, 395 711, 730-731, 89 2072, 2091, 656 (DOUGLAS, concurring); 747, 2086 (HARLAN, part); Reid Covert, 354 1, 37, 68, 77 1222, 1241 1148; Roberts 320 264, 265-266, 64 114-15, 41. "If anything settled jurisprudence England America, man twice lawfully punished offence." 872. 328, purports Lange contexts, 139, 438, DiFrancesco aside direct appeal. conceded perplexing, noteworthy, 220-221, 14, leaves free declare unconstitutional construction closely parallels pleading pay $250 Pursuant conditioned payment Roberts' 5-year period. Four later, hearing years. affirmed. certiorari, argued increased revocation construed, unconstitutional. grounds, reaching question. exists fixed valid judgment, derived Probation government 242 [37 72, 61 129]; Mayer, 235 [35 16, 59 163 [21 872]; 304 [51 354]." 114. concluded despite revoke suspension imposed," "having exercised definite advance imprisonment." 272-273, 117-118. recognizes changing postponing today ignores distinction, 217-218, 10, cite Roberts. Judge, Columbia "confinement prison." (1962). McDonald, 611 1291, 1294-1295 (CA9 1980); Rogers 326 56, 1963); 5011; (1950). "[n]o us," 213; sentence," ibid.; "§ 'no benefit' problem," agrees: "Nothing specifically directed receives acquiring dual status Congress, optimism approach, underway." Brief 12-13. urges Prisons' 5215.2 1978), soundly rejects. 212-213. objects alternative because, Tr. Oral Arg. 14-15, 48. am confident, (or crimes) high satisfy objection. Title 111, 51/2 imprisonment, $10,000 both. maximums inadequate, response claim harsh, 'the remedy legislation guise construction,' [Blockburger 284 299, 305, 180, 182, 306], '[w]hatever views entertained regarding [t]hese peculiarly policy.' [Gore 357 386, 393, 78 1280, 1285, 1405]." 442, point: "We accordingly." 216-217, original). "For immediately.. "Moreover, expired." 215-217 omitted Writing Appeals, Swygert point way: Warden asks rehabilitation, reevaluate 'not word' 'about augmenting having way them.' [Thompson Carlson,] 415, 426 (3d Cir. 1980) (Adams, reading contrary letter spirit act, cited otherwise." 1077, 1081 (CA7 1981). "simply futile." 218, 10. depart concede neither evinces contemplate situation. 6, historical structural arguments reaches. discussion, supra 226-228 page. thinks sense. While interstitial lawmaking surely warranted bound absent rule. Accord, Abernathy 288, 290 1969); 374 966, 967 1967); Brisco 368 214, 215 1966); Kotz 353 312, 314 (CA8 1965); Eller 327 639 1964); 56-57 1963). Sero Preiser, 506 1115, 1123-1124 (CA2 1974) (New York law), 421 921, 95 1587, 789; Wilson Coughlin, 100, 102-103 1973) (Illinois law). 5010, Youthful Offenders: 22, 24, James V. Bennett, Prisons), Curtis Shears, Chairman, Participation Committee, D. C. Legion), 53-55 Hincks, U. Judge), 62, Orie L. Phillips, Judge) Improvement Parole: 74-75 (extension Hincks), 138-139 (Reference Notes submitted Bennett) (1943). "From hundreds cases come across desk formed crucial element Attitudes, habits, interests, overnight. Training work habits skills program, community effected promptly. comes prospects His occur ready establishing himself; bitter, unsure himself, jittery athlete overtrained. "Rarely go younger short, objective "I seen thousands men rightly sent wrongly periods expense Government accomplished little concerned. behalf frustrated." 2609, 15, Bennett). Staudmier 496 1191, 1192 1974); Hale 307 345, 346 Okla. 1970); Foote 627, 628-629 (Nev. 1969). FORTAS, eloquently re Gault, 387 12-31, 87 1428, 1435-45, 527, reference juvenile justice system, exclude YCA-sentenced promulgated four 203. pleas ground fully apprised consequences see, Marvel 380 262, 85 953, 960; Caldwell 435 1079 388 453 1968); Freeman 350 940 Chapin 341 900 Pilkington 315 204 283 suggested third no-benefit commenced. 1082; 219 (noting "interpretive difficulties" judges' term). Pell succinctly put side: "While indication Robinson society mandated continuance." 1083.

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