Document: 362 U.S. 610 80 S.Ct. 1038 4 L.Ed.2d 989 Morry LEVINE, Petitioner,v.UNITED STATES of America. No. 164. Argued March 22, 1960. Decided May 23, Rehearing Denied June 27, See 363 858, 1605. Mr. Myron L. Shapiro, New York City, for petitioner. Philip R. Monahan, Washington, D.C., respondent. Justice FRANKFURTER delivered the opinion Court. 1 This is a prosecution contempt arising from petitioner's refusal to answer series questions propounded him by federal grand jury. In every respect but one, this case replica Brown v. United States, 359 41, 79 539, 3 609, and as all common issues it controlled that case. Brown, however, we expressly declined decide effect claimed 'secrecy' upon proceedings culminating in sentencing contempt, 'because record does not show be fact.' at page 51, 547, note 11. Here, appears contemptuous conduct, adjudication guilt, imposition sentence took place after public had been excluded courtroom, what began was continued 'a Grand Jury proceeding.' The continuing exclusion circumstances sole question presented. 2 On morning April 18, 1957, pursuant subpoena, petitioner appeared witness before jury Southern District engaged investigating violations Interstate Commerce Act. He asked six relevant jury's investigation. After consultation with his attorney, who an anteroom, he refused them on ground they might tend incriminate him. persisted having directed foreman advised government counsel applicable statutes gave complete immunity concerning any matter which testify. 49 U.S.C. § 305(d), U.S.C.A. 305(d). Later day jury, counsel, attorney Judge Levet, sitting Court York, sought 'the aid assistance Court, direction witness, Levine, has certain have put him.' morning's read. argument judge ruled adequate conferred statute deprived right refuse Petitioner ordered appear court then questions. 22 were again answer. Once went regard Levine.' At time shows following: 5 'The Court: Will those no other business courtroom please leave now? I proceeding. 6 Clerk: Marshal will clear room. 7 '(Court room cleared Marshals.)' 8 Petitioner, reporter remained. objected further participation process compelling testimony, except according procedures prescribed Rule 42(b) Federal Rules Criminal Procedure, 18 That provision, relates contempts generally, excluding 'committed actual presence court' certifies 'that saw or heard conduct constituting contempt,' provides conventional trial. view compelled if any, already committed out court, through disobedience court's order 18. 9 judge, did treat renewed definitive contempt. chose proceed just two weeks earlier reviewed here supra, 609. proceedings, showing refusals answer, read, take stand. indicated proceeding '(t)he Jury' 'in accordance 42(a),' procedure cases court.' Over objection, when these claim privilege against self-incrimination. stated would continue should Government adjudged physical Judge.' reasons 'why so adjudicate contempt.' Petitioner's made three points: (1) requirements due process'; (2) followed Procedure; (3) that, merits charge, statutory sufficiently extensive deprive No reference general proceedings. adjudicated and, submission views regarding sentence, one year's imprisonment imposed. conviction affirmed Appeals, 267 F.2d 335, granted certiorari, 361 860, 118, 101, limiting our grant left open namely, whether offended either Due Process Clause Fifth Amendment Constitution public-trial requirement Sixth Amendment. 10 course testimony approved Brown. Specifically, established disobeyed body, proper application disregard outside its presence; directly well jury; punish summarily under 42(a) thereupon 11 It surely error initially second seeking 'assistance * Secrecy enjoined (see 1508, Procedure 6(d) (e)), necessary initial step read precise involved case, therefore, error, once properly, indeed necessarily, cleared, summary occur without inviting back into courtroom. 12 From very beginning Nation throughout history power convict criminal deemed essential inherent aspect existence courts. First Congress, whose 95 members 20, among some most distinguished lawyers, Philadelphia Convention, explicitly Section 17 Judiciary Act 1789, Stat. 73, 83, 401. recognized early 1812, striking way. States Hudson, Cranch 32, 34, L.Ed. 259. As zealous guardian procedural safeguards Bill Rights first Harlan, sustaining face described way: offender may, (the court's) discretion, instantly apprehended immediately imprisoned, trial issue, proof than knowledge occurred; such power, although arbitrary nature liable abuse, absolutely protection courts discharge their functions.' Ex parte Terry, 1888, 128 289, 313, 77, 32 405. particular exercise punishment issue wanting effective alertness check abusive exercises judges. Cooke 517, 45 390, 69 767; Offutt 348 11, 75 99 would, throwing baby bath find necessary, name Constitution, strangle 'absolutely essential' functioning independent judiciary, ultimate reliance citizens safeguarding rights guaranteed Constitution. 13 Procedural do derive are within 'all prosecutions' applies. 306—310, 80—82, 405; 534—535, 394, 14, S,.ct. 13, But while 'public trial' only 'criminal prosecutions,' provision reflection notion, deeply rooted law, 'justice must satisfy appearance justice.' 13. Accordingly, demands appropriate see re Oliver, 333 257, 68 499, 92 682, adjudications judicial barring narrowly limited categories exceptions may required exigencies war, 46 Admiralty Rules, 8, 1942, 316 717, revoked 6, 1946, 328 882, 28 U.S.C.A., children, 5033, 5033. 14 Inasmuch thus derives explciitly defined decision turn question-begging because abstract absolute trial.' Cf. Snyder Commonwealth Massachusetts, 291 97, 114—117, 54 330, 335—336, 78 674. narrow whether, light facts present never specifically objection so-called requested denied remained 15 arm camera constitute inquiry.' Hale Henkel, 201 43, 66, 26 370, 375, 50 652. itself makes part process. initiate important crimes. instructions attached which, time, reports findings.' Cobbledick 309 323, 327, 60 540, 542, 84 783. Unlike ordinary inquiry, where publicity rule, secret. course, Publicity fully satisfying achieved notice held charge Procedure. 16 available another vindicate authority over lawlessly recalcitrant witness. Appeal aegis sits inquiries judge's presence, persuasive exertion induce obedience, commit ignored, brought bear Since occurs midst proceeding, clash arise between interest, sanctioned statute, preserving secrecy deriving Clause, freely way insofar permitted active behalf client Levet. ample intention him, persist Had requested, wish, opened final stage different being However, there cause enforcing sense public. Having each turn, resolved all, insisted imposed, act is, comply previously questions, consequent 534—536, 394—395, 767. To repeat, evidently thought, request contrary thereby giving now affording opportunity avoid it. kind legal rendered irrelevant failure insist makes. Counsel throughout, aware properly public's flowed naturally next. There obvious point can said onus imperatively interrupt own motion establish We cannot untenable invoking 42(a). 19 wholly unlike 682. could charged deliberately enforced free scrutiny; nor urged slightest affected result. Nor dealing situation prejudice, attributable secrecy, found impressive render make timely like these. obviously generally require solid fair administration justice favor party who, acting advice right, raises afterthought appeal. 20 Affirmed. 21 BLACK, whom Chief DOUGLAS join, dissenting. upholds refusing admitting proceeding." Stated quite euphemistically simply saying convicted sentenced one-year prison term 'trial' excluded—a governmental technique liberty-loving people great reason feared hated ages. 23 condemned secret 'trials' years ago SCt. Oliver Michigan state jail days based one-man Oliver's squarely faced question: 'Can accused tried secrecy?' Id., pages 265—266, 504. Our emphatic 'No,' Frankfurter Jackson dissented. law Fourteenth convicting excluded. this: 24 'Counsel cited unable single instance conducted federal, state, municipal during country. even England since abolition Star Chamber 1641, ever secretly dispute. Summary trials alleged misconduct called regarded exception universal rule trials, unless represent exception.' 266, 25 seems apparent, upholding repudiating whole same approving apologists always careful deny unlimited unlamented used. holds violated neither Amendment's guarantee '(i)n prosecutions, shall enjoy speedy *.' Certainly here, three-year Green 356 165, 632, 672, earmarks consequences plain, prosecution. 193, 648 (dissenting opinion). reappraisal doctrine trials. repeat 'I help believe process, used, utterly irreconcilable principles underlying system created 208, 656. illustrates more dangers fact nothing fiction say labeling 'contempt' changed actually is—a punishment—a used year substitute safeguards. length going case—depriving specific safeguard holding whatever measure chooses give flexible interpretation Amendment—is shown express declaration crime labeled 'contempt.' And cites apply 27 reject idea awesome contempt' grown be, nourished courts, preserve independence judiciary am constrained plea necessity strange sound voiced dedicated ancient pertinent statement Edward Livingston, said: "Not oppressive prerogatives crown successively stripped, England, day, defended necessity. Not attempts destroy them, hazardous innovation." 214, 659. closing indicates rests extent His referred 'an (raised) appeal.' thinks given made).' shows, occasions specification charges prepare defenses, adjournment obtain compulsory subpoena witnesses as, general, 42(b), undoubtedly calls sufficient me raise extremely constitutional 29 Despite Court's repeated claims enough constitutionality 'trial,' intimation maybe future conviction, frown this. Here said, theory hearings secret, allegedly also be. report invoke bringing Levine along. preferred court. extends ignore difference deliberations votes, supposed intrusions others, allowed interfere control. See, e.g., Stirone 212, 218, 270, 273, 252. enter deliberate vote; ask compel testify penalty moment temporarily ended began. arose gravely jeopardizing liberty property.1 intrude anyone else. juries, "* appointed prosecutor court; *." 61, 373, Costello 350 359, 362, 76 406, 408, 100 397. When came get immediate action charges, entitled try notice. follow commands. fact, believe, least man taken away period months punishment, full-fledged, constitutional, trial.2 30 conclude injury. my judgment scant command look approve 'anyhow wasn't hurt.' think hurt defendant America sent penitentiary Constitution's law. 31 BRENNAN, joins, plain guilty agreed founded Amendment, possessed guilt 33 concludes despite this, reversal object terms infringement rights. Its ruling submit, radical departure prevailed, prevail, respecting waiver defendant's key consent—his 'express, intelligent consent.' Adams ex rel. McCann, 317 269, 277, 63 236, 241, 87 268. special interest repeatedly pointed judicially, Kobli, Cir., 172 919, 924; Davis 247 F. 395—396; Neal State, 86 Okl.Cr. 283, 192 P.2d 294, 297, led argue consent suffice permit Kirstowsky Superior 143 Cal.App.2d 745, 300 163; Press Ass'ns Valente, 308 N.Y. 71, 93, 123 N.E.2d 777, 788 though waive assumed, consideration underscores how imperative meaningful real consent—be 'defendant's defense.' 81, 780 (majority conclusion interests better served foregoing exercising it.' Sorrentino, 175 721, 723. 34 greatest stretch imagination met here. means consented fundamental objections whereby crime, today finds applicable. If sustained, contended adopted, laid bare committed. Whether grounds irrelevant, found. apprised talismanic language retrospect essential. are, sure, errors counsel. guarantees omitted, rather patent cannot. Of principle hardly altered transparent semantic device phrasing come until explicit benefits.1 reversed. omit word 'life' usual phrase 'life, property' yet vast taking life defendant. borne mind keys pocket, released complying valid order, 55, 549, 609 opinion), punished past completed offense. id., 53, 548; 197, 650. Apparently avoided settled prejudice 398—399; Tanksley 145 58, 59, 156 A.L.R. 257; 921. People Jelke, 56, 67—68, 769, 775.

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