Document: 369 U.S. 141 82 S.Ct. 671 7 L.Ed.2d 629 FONG FOO et al., Petitioners,v.UNITED STATES. STANDARD COIL PRODUCTS CO., Inc., Petitioner, v. UNITED Nos. 64, 65. Argued Jan. 16, 1962. Decided March 19, Arthur Richenthal, New York City, for petitioners. Archibald Cox, Solicitor General, Washington, D.C., respondent. PER CURIAM. 1 The petitioners, a corporation and two of its employees, were brought to trial before jury in federal district court upon an indictment charging conspiracy the substantive offense concealing material facts matter within jurisdiction agency United States, violation 18 U.S.C. §§ 371 1001, U.S.C.A. 371, 1001. After seven days what promised be long complicated trial, three government witnesses had appeared fourth was process testifying. At that point judge directed return verdicts acquittal as all defendants, formal judgment subsequently entered. 2 record shows judge's action based one or both grounds: supposed improper conduct on part Assistant States Attorney who prosecuting case, lack credibility testimony prosecution testified up point. 3 Government filed petition writ mandamus Court Appeals First Circuit, praying vacated case reassigned trial. granted petition, ground under circumstances revealed by without power direct question. Judge Aldrich concurred separately, finding been solely prosecutor, agreeing with his colleagues ground. 286 F.2d 556. We certiorari consider question importance administration justice courts. 366 959, 81 1916, 6 1252. 4 In holding District acquittals disclosed record, relied primarily decisions this Court, Ex parte 242 27, 37 72, 61 L.Ed. 129 287 241, 53 129, 77 283. first these cases it held no suspend mandatory prison sentence, would lie require vacate erroneous order suspension. second issued ordering issue bench warrant which he refused do, purported exercise discretion, person returned properly constituted grand jury. 5 Neither those involved guaranty Fifth Amendment shall 'be subject same twice put jeopardy life limb.' That constitutional provision is at very root present we cannot but conclude violated when set aside petitioners tried again offense. valid juridiction over them matter. did not terminate prior entry judgment, Gori 367 364, 1523, 901. It terminated final each petitioner. thought, reason, egregiously foundation. Nevertheless, '(t)he verdict final, could reviewed * putting (the petitioners) jeopardy, thereby violating constitution.' Ball, 163 662, 671, 16 1192, 1195, 41 300. Reversed. 8 Mr. Justice WHITTAKER took consideration decision cases. 9 HARLAN, concurring. 10 Were I able find, did, Court's Attorney's alleged misconduct, think retrial prevented Double Jeopardy Clause Amendment. Even assuming may have power, extreme circumstances, acquittal, instead declaring mistrial, because prosecutor's misconduct—a proposition seriously doubt—I do such existed case. But since examination leaves me unable, majority Appeals, attribute factor alone, concur reversal. 11 CLARK, dissenting. 12 speaks expanse am obliged dissent. says 'a acquittal' entered pursuant propriety 'acquittal' even though concluded main time directed. here clearly enter thereon. my view has verdict, thereon nullity. word context magic open sesame freeing persons absolving from serious charges fraud Government. 13 On us matters whether so-called court's conclusion Government's lacked misconduct prosecution. 14 point, only examined examining third merely preliminary, offered identify documents explain functions performed individual defendants corporate defendant. give explanation radiosondes, devices gathering data, furnishing contracts totaling several million dollars. during latter's testimony—entirely explanatory—that called recess stated purpose requiring 'consider public interest served further case.' Upon vigorous insistence himself, resumed witnesses. witness testify related deliberate scheme conceal inspectors defects devices. During 'not sure' date certain conference representatives defendant present. Thereafter period memory refreshed conversation Attorneys. resuming stand corrected previous date, placing few months earlier. cross-examination admitted error attention Assistant. then excused after excoriating back into session acquittal. 15 fundamental our criminal jurisprudence right stands legally indirected publicly charge. No hearing proffered least canvassing thus frustrate performance duty prosecute violate law. Here, advised court, 'many heard ' testified. begun hear protracted involving many rested. As observed, Court: 17 'abruptly opportunity show case; and, moreover, so ignorance either exact nature cogency specific evidence guilt counsel said available ready present.' 562—563. stage prejudge proof—find insufficient unconvincing—and free. 19 if there still punish indiscretion lawyer. McGuire 273 95, 99, 47 259, 260, 71 556 (1927), 'A more than game checkmated lost officers played according rule.' most, remedy declare mistrial impose appropriate punishment Attorney, rather public. should, therefore, affirmed.

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