Document: 463 U.S. 825 103 S.Ct. 3352 77 L.Ed.2d 1049 UNITED BROTHERHOOD OF CARPENTERS AND JOINERS AMERICA, LOCAL 610, AFL-CIO, et al., Petitioners,v.Paul E. SCOTT al. No. 82-486. Argued April 26, 1983. Decided July 5, Syllabus Respondent constru tion company hired nonunion workers for a project near Port Arthur, Tex., and citizen protest against the company's hiring practice was organized at meeting held by Executive Committee of Sabine Area Building Construction Trades Council. During construction site, employees (including two individual respondents) were assaulted beaten equipment burned destroyed. The violence vandalism delayed led to default on its contract. In their action in Federal District Court petitioners—the Council certain local unions individuals—respondents asserted that petitioners had conspired deprive respondents legally protected rights, contrary provisions 42 U.S.C. § 1985(3) (1976 ed., Supp. V) making available cause those injured conspiracies formed "for purpose depriving, either directly or indirectly, any person class persons equal protection laws, privileges immunities under laws." entered judgment respondents, granting injunctive relief awarding damages. Appeals affirmed pertinent part, holding conspiracy First Amendment right not associate with union, purposes it necessary show some state involvement infringement reaches motivated political economic bias as well racial bias, thus including harm contractor. Held: An alleged infringe rights is violation unless proved State involved aim influence activity State. Moreover, kind animus requires present this case. Pp. 830-839. (a) Griffin v. Breckenridge, 403 88, 91 1790, 29 338, upheld application purely private aimed interfering constitutionally official encroachment, such case—the travel Thirteenth Rights. However, did hold declare when definition only interference, Fourteenth plaintiff suit nevertheless need prove contemplated sort. 831-834. (b) language legislative history establishes "some racial, perhaps otherwise class-based, invidiously discriminatory behind conspirators' action." Griffin, supra, 102, S.Ct., 1798. 834-835. (c) Though predominant combat then-prevalent Negroes supporters, determine here whether must be construed reach cases involving bias. 835-837. (d) Even if assumed organization account views activities, provision does towards others views, status, activities. Neither nor compels would include group resting commercial animus, favor unionization. 837-839. 680 F.2d 979 (5th Cir. 1982), reversed. Laurence Gold, Washington, D.C., petitioners. Robert Q. Keith, Beaumont, respondents. 1 This case concerns scope m 2 ade (Supp.1981)1 3 * A.A. Cross Co., Inc. (Cross), contracted Department Army construct Alligator Bayou Pumping Station Gravity Drainage Structure Taylor Hurricane Levee Texas. accordance usual practice, without regard union membership. Some them from outside Arthur area. Employees several times warned residents Cross's non-union matter serious concern many area could lead trouble. According Court, evidence showed January 15, 1975, practices discussed time place chosen. On morning 17, large assembled entrance site. members 15 meeting. From gathering truckloads men emerged, drove beat employees, destroyed equipment. found continued threatened "if leave concede policies principles." 461 F.Supp. 224, 227 (E.D.Tex.1978). contract Army. 4 plaintiffs case, after amendment complaint, Scott Matthews—two who been beaten, itself. Council, 25 unions, various individuals named defendants. Plaintiffs defendants (Supp.1981). tried court. A permanent injunction entered, damages awar ed 11 $5000 each $112,385.14 Cross, plus attorneys fees amount $25,000. 5 arriving judgment, recognized make out 1985(3), 102-103, 1798, 338 (1971), allege four elements: (1) conspiracy; (2) laws; (3) an act furtherance (4) whereby his property deprived privilege United States. first, third, fourth these elements plainly established. issue, thought, concerned second element, construing requirement we have deprivation "equal laws," but also U.S., having interference Congress unquestionably protect conspiracies, issue identified conspiratorial discrimination non-unionized entity conduct triggers proscription 1985(3). concluded encompassed violations both civil criminal laws Texas, depriving protections afforded proscribes class-based other than laborers employers section. believed "men women individuals, concomitantly, free violent acts bodies because association non-association." F.Supp., 230. evidenced hence, there federal law. 6 Appeals, sitting en banc, except setting aside failure proof eight eleven Court. (CA 1982). understood respondents' submission petitioners' fellow curtailment within meaning agreed, most union. court rejected argument demonstrate rights. argument, expressly therefore felt compelled disagree decisions Seventh Circuit espousing position. Murphy Mount Carmel High School, 543 1189 (1976); Dombrowski Dowling, 459 190 (1972). went reached Thus contractor embodied Griffin. Because importance involved, granted certiorari, --- ----, 442, 74 599. We now reverse. II 7 do conspiracy, done thereof, resultant injury property. Contrary however, conclude state. Appeals' view requires. A. 8 Equal Protection Clause prohibits denying laws. Amendment, which virtue Due Process applies governments officials, "law . abridging freedom speech, people peaceably assemble". Had so words prohibited guaranteed Freedom Speech untenable contend violated somehow involve affect 9 "It commonplace itself arise where has one acting color authority. 'does add thing Constitution another.' States Cruikshank, 92 542, 554-555 [23 L.Ed. 588]. As Mr. Justice DOUGLAS more recently put it, 'The protects action, wrongs individuals.' Williams, 341 70, [71 581, 593, 95 758] (dissenting opinion). beginning. supra; Harris, 106 629 [1 601, 27 290]; Civil Rights Cases, 109 [3 18, 835]; Hodges States, 203 [27 6, 51 65]; Powell, 212 564 [29 690, 53 653]. It remains Court's today. See, e.g., Evans Newton, 382 296 [86 486, 373]; Price, post, [383 U.S.] p. 787 1152, 16 267]." Guest, 383 745, 755, 86 1170, 1176, 239 (1966). 10 opinion Fortas companion characterized same way: "As consistently Williams I, 593] (opinion Douglas, J.)" 787, 799, 1160, 267 12 respect, correct violate made involvement. 1193. 13 Breckenridge contrary. There and, interpreted, invalid face applied. section referring deprivations protection" immunities" resembled prohibitions understood, difficult conceive statute respect. But observed refer nothing "inherent" used "that working come State." 97, 1796. reading Act; limited constraints Amendment. broader became even apparent explained actionable Constitution. Section can conspiracies. 14 complaint alleged, among things, sustain basis allegation paid scant attention. Instead, private, official, encroachment. position helped assertion provide authority proscribe exclusively precisely proscribed Commerce Clause. That no doubt case; provision, since "provides substantial itself" against. Great American Fed. S. & L. Ass'n Novotny, 442 366, 372, 99 2345, 2349, 60 957 (1979). privileges, vindicates elsewhere, claimed infringed source restrains conduct, affected conspiracy. accordingly erred wholly abridge unnecessary sustained law statutory Conceivably, remand consideration possibilities ourselves consider them. take neither course, our should reversed dispositive ground 1985(3)'s action", satisfied B 17 indicated above, examining language, structure, emphatically declared intended way aware sweep 1985 originally introduced House provoked strong opposition chamber precipitated proposal adoption narrowing amendment, breadth bill fed ral remedy "all tortious, interferences others." 101, original belief lacked punish every assault battery committed persons. Id., 1798; Cong. Globe, 42d Cong., 1st Sess., App. 68, 115, 153, 188, 315, 514. interpreted years ago "centered entirely motivation required. ." 100, 1797. Thus: 18 "The constitutional shoals lie path interpreting general tort avoided giving full effect congressional purpose—by requiring, element stressed sponsors limiting amendment. See remarks Representatives Willard Shellabarger, quoted 100. requiring intent protection, immunities, means action. words, enjoyment secured all." 1798 (footnotes omitted). 19 conclusion warranted history, reaffirmed accept authoritative statute. 20 facts revealed supported them, invidious central enacting declined decide "whether portion before us." 102 n. 9, 9. Both courts below answered question; forbids refuse join latter affirm former. C 21 arrived result first describing Reconstruction-era Ku Klux Klan sought segment Southern population power participation governance states nation. then reasoned Republicans objects Klan's particular groups Finally, preferred "closely akin" association, sufficiently similar party satisfy requirements 22 are unpersuaded. place, close question championed cause, notably Republicans. theme bill's proponents forcibly resisting efforts emancipate give access power. predominate prevalent supporters. included generally, others, Northerners came South sympathetic Negro. Although examined care marshalled support meant forbid non-racial, politically find provided concerted effort nullify competing use unlawful means. To accede go far toward courts, monitors campaign tactics elections, role quick assume. If accepted, arguably claim interfered speech another encouraging heckling rival's speakers disruption meetings. 23 realize reach. Senator Edmunds's statement floor Senate clearest expression view. He said man "because he Democrat, you please, Catholic, Methodist, Vermonter, it." Sess. 567. originated House. changed form, proposed, debated, adopted there, technical changes bill. managed Senate, weight. still withheld enacted, farther concern—combatting allies resist frustrate affects Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth Amendments. Lacking intention, follow course here. D 24 classes posited Edmunds, convincing proposition Such extend into life country 1871 passed 1871. Respondents submit Republicans, Northern immigrants, resented carpetbagger dominate South. rely series statements during debates Act 1871, indicating businessmen North targets Brief 42-44. understand remarks, viewed suspect they thought Negroes. interpret parts asserting labor capital, such. Nor plausible Democrats prejudiced generally enterprising trying better themselves, states. sympathizers, class, Pool, whom rely, what heart matter: 26 truth whenever northern man, goes southern State, will traitor principles entertained home, lend himself Democracy purchased forget carpet-bagger ready him elevate office gift." 42nd 607. cannot construe animus. Were otherwise, example, brought bear resulting organize employer employer's long victim merely unionization, may be. National Labor Relations Act, §§ 151 seq., addresses great detail relationship between employer, employee, variety situations, unsettling event rule strike picket-line considered light strictures anti-union, anti-nonunion, anti-employer biases represent kinds trigger little concluding situations pitted another, injuring destroying health other. think statute, best arguable surely eschewed actions motivations deemed beyond Economic conflicts, think, dealt statutes, state, specifically addressed problems, proscribing injuries misconstrued Congress, or, event, prefers different tack, will, enforce enact. 28 Accordingly, Reversed. 30 BLACKMUN, BRENNAN, MARSHALL, O'CONNOR join, dissenting. 31 Reconstruction Congress' response mob postbellum designed intimidate exercise legal While officials violating citizens, problem directly.1 provides liability "either Apr. 20, 2, Stat. (current version V)). Today, classic exercising holds protection. 32 interfere involved.2 Ante, 830-834. assumes bans accomplish 1983 caused officials. simple fact not. 33 face, differs structurally Briscoe Lahue, 1108, 1116, 75 96 (1983); id., 1116 (MARSHALL, J., dissenting); 99, 1796, (1971). Unlike 1983, independent "secured prevent No required; require way. 34 unambiguously function 1985(3).3 Representative contain terms. imposed commit enumerated crimes enclave subject jurisdiction.4 bill, Congressman argued legislate order secure national citizenship. Referring Washington's Corfield Coryell, Fed.Cas. 546 (No. 3,230) (CCED Pa.1825), Shellabarger stated "punishes, crime, banded, mastering, confederated violence. Then directed citizen." Cong.Globe, 69 (March 28, 1871). 35 debate followed, radical ground. They altered balance Government permitted life, liberty, legislating activity.5 beginning debate, Democratic opponents saw imprimatur exceeded extending jurisdiction cover common crimes.6 moderate persuasion refused fearing reflected 36 Democrats, agreed possessed regardless presence 153 (April 4, 1871) (remarks Rep. Garfield); 486 Cook); Monell New York City Dept. Social Services, 436 658, 673, 98 2018, 2026, 56 611 (1978). dispute Republican majority centered purpose, instead usurp over crimes. 37 moderates differed,7 extensive Garfield summarized well. R. Quest Equality 47 (1960). believe displace view, citizens affirmative congressionally enforceable laws: "the shall 'deny laws' implies afford protection." When neglect "it undoubtedly punishment all persons, invade [guaranteed War Amendments], violence, threats, intimidation fullest enjoyment." Ibid. 38 Garfield's theory citizenship people. existed independently disagreed radicals about circumstances step stated: 39 "[T]he chief unequal, just yet, systematic maladministration refusal provisions, denied Whenever clearly out, I last clause [of Amendment] empowers doing justice 40 stating amended reflect 41 power, see Comment, 1985(c) Light Its Original Purpose, 46 U.Chi.L.Rev. 402, 412, (1979), necessary. day new 2. 477 removed list added critical "conspire together laws."8 Shellabarger: object confine prevention attack equality citizens; right, down citizen, end enjoy contrasted citizens' remedies section." 478. Willard—who opposed drafted amendment—stated 43 essence crime consist secured, secure, denial equality." 188 44 approved evil imposing States.9 amended, 6. 522. 45 three days, few changes, 14. 709. explaining Edmunds expressed "overthrow Government, impede justice, whatever be." 568 11, Pool remarking conferred citizen—the 608 12, Throughout conspirators. conditions assert rights—a separate federal-state comity—not nature themselves. By Forty-Second problems creation crimin l limit victims rights.10 intend Consistent occasions 629, 290 (1882), prohibit removing jail force lynching stated, "no how performed duty. Under liable conspiring enacted State."11 639, 609; cf. 76, 71 584, 758 (1951) (plurality opinion) (similar 241, action). 48 Collins Hardyman, 651, 937, 1253 (1951), arose brawl white groups. hinder plaintiffs' 653-654, 938. noted possible type activity, 659, 940, issue. 661, 941. "allegation conscious law." decision suggested virtually identical 49 rest. unanimous decision, t evolution washed away Collins, reason "not accord meaning."12 96, 1795. form officials.13 1796; Private Conspiracies Violate Rights: McLellan Mississippi Power 90 Harv.L.Rev. 1721, 1730 (1977) (state incompatible ). reviewed limitation broad animus." 99-102, 1796-1798. 50 held, laws" creating impose Properly persons' kind.14 recognized, types initial matter, personal malice conspirators membership affiliation class. 702 14, Sen. Edmunds); 567 Edmunds). exist defendants' actions; is, defined simply tortious Askew Bloemker, 548 678 (CA7 1976); Lopez Arrowhead Ranches, 523 924, 928 (CA9 1975). 52 Aside exclusion, covered clear. wide denials rights; yet indefinite, reserved nonracial covered. assistance, probably disagreement halt conspirational criminalize Act's indication provided. suggestion, ante, 835-837, preeminently organization, whose premised often viewpoints victims.15 "They murder own houses difference opinions defy denounce acts." 72 30, Blair); 391 1, Elliott). surveyed above reveals, fester rendered enforcement authorities less likely affiliated policies. 54 my seek unprotected Instead contemplating traits, though, mind functional debates, danger "a [the laws], provisions." part officers equally. took possibility ineffective sufficient intervention.16 485 Cook). 55 corroborated violence: migrants. usually extended tenuous Reconstruction, although mainly program, J. Randall D. Donald, 592-600 (2d ed. 1961), attempt reorganize region. W. Du Bois, Black America 345-353 (1962). Particularly irritating poorer Southerners competition market 19; 684. carpetbaggers moved fortunes lives. C. Woodward, Reunion Reaction 52-57 Many facet exploitation.17 supporters features Reconstruction. They, terrorism legitimate activities migrated themselves.18 Kelly explicit: essentially resistance migrations Northerners. 338-339, 29, 1871).19 57 migrants vulnerability symbols effects answer violence—a political, overtones create members' perception atrocities perpetrated who, largely affiliation, unable demand beliefs associations placed receiving eq al authorities. race, religion, sex, origin, per se meet requirement, traits implicate situations. III 58 fall definition. self-professed town. encroaching desired keep union-dominated. identity individuality irrelevant attacked preexisting association. town, effectiveness open question.20 Petitioners specific IV 59 approach statutes Those given " 'a [their] language.' quoting 801, principle lost vitality. crabbed uninformed dissent. (Supp.1981), entirety, follows: "(3) Depriving Territory conspire disguise highway premises preventing hindering constituted securing force, intimidation, threat, lawfully entitled vote, advocacy manner, election qualified elector President Vice President, Member States; injure advocacy; set forth section, engaged therein do, done, property, recovery occasioned deprivation, conspirators." codified V). addition prohibition (now clause), performance duties (§ 1985(1)), administration 1985(2), part), officer candidates third clause). Kush Rutledge, 1483, 1487, 413 (1983). (1983) (describing 3-6). misinterpretation compounded subtle confusion interpretation. 104, 1799, established seemingly recognizes, 832-833, questions separate. Determining current interpretations relevant provided: "That shall, limits band person, which, being sole exclusive would, constitute murder, manslaughter, mayhem, robbery, battery, perjury, subornation obstruction process resi tance discharge duty, arson, larceny; parties principals aceessories [sic ], guilty felony, upon conviction liable, &c., punishable States." 68-69 (statement Shellabarger), H.R. 320, (1871). 73 85 31, Bingham); 141 3, Shanks). 337 Whitthorne); 361 Swan); 366 Arthur); 373 Archer). Farnsworth, conservative Clause, unequal legislation. 115 ultimately voted Act. 522 Other obstruct official's duty o 414-415 passed, restriction. Immediately following proposed clauses using language. 477. clause, "to enforcing manner impeding, hindering, obstructing, defeating due Territory, deny 1985(2). For Cook, amendments, 478 "an maintain wherever secures right. One absolute test this: thereby appeal Supreme redress. negative provision. Wherever touches Burchard, shared Farnsworth 8, terms "[t]he gravamen offense through behalf Shortly thereafter, restated 7, attempted amend immediately officers. 513. After lengthy colloquy Poland, 512-514, dropped 515. Burchard Cook "amendment obviates measure objections doubtful extent constitutes 315 Savings Loan Assn. 376, 2351, remedial substantive providing remedy, 68 Shellabarger)—a incorporated interpretation strictly perspective like "is unique versus characterization misplaced." Note, Scope Association 61 B.U.L.Rev. 1007, 1021 (1981). Novotny accurate, unnecessary, context significance. employs summary fashion dispose real analysis 833. indictment valid 609, authorization 638-640, 608-610, citing 588 (1875), Amendments, 637, 640-643, 610-612, Article 643, 612. notes, 832, "A century adjudication understandably might Yet inherent phrase implicitly recognizes imposes nn. 10, supra. today asserts reject implicated ignores construction, arrives contradictory Amendments poses obstacle correctly ban 833; Katzenbach McClung, 379 294, 304, 377, 383, (1964); Heart Atlanta Motel, 257-258, 348, 357-358, 258 (1964). goal overthrow terrorizing office, failed supplanting U.Chi.L.Rev., 408-410. frequently terrorism, symbol hated reconstruction policy war announced future peace security nation, carried practical effect, practically nullified violence." 101 1871); 333 Hoar); 390-391 Elliot); 252-253 Morton). factor Roberts' description distribution "Take census lately rebellion d stricts. Mark strongly decidedly Democratic. assaults citizens. districts scarlet human gore." 607 12) Pool). Edmunds' remark Vermonters, Catholics, Methodists, 1871), 837, indicates geographic regions qualify vulnerability. Swan opening exploitation pretext aiding 362 354 Beck). 368 Sheldon) (right migrate engage traffic); 414 Roberts) ("The carpet-bag sign vitality people"); 500 Frelinghuysen) (Constitution migration workers). 653 13, Osborn) (violence harms reasons). Morton echoed theme, drive Republicans; effectively barred capital immigration. 252 plead ineffectiveness incident experienced difficulty obtaining episodes Tr. Oral Arg. 33.

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