Document: 405 U.S. 538 92 S.Ct. 1113 31 L.Ed.2d 424 Dorothy LYNCH et al., Appellants,v.HOUSEHOLD FINANCE CORPORATION, al. No. 70—5058. Argued Dec. 7, 1971. Decided March 23, 1972. Rehearing Denied April 24, See 406 911, 1611. Syllabus Appellee Household Finance Corp. sued appellant Lynch in state court alleging nonpayment of a promissory note, and, prior to serving her with process, garnished savings account under Connecticut law authorizing summary pre-judicial garnishment. Appellant challenged the validity statutes Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses Fourteenth Amendment, sought declaratory injunctive relief 42 U.S.C. § 1983 its jurisdictional counterpart, 28 1343(3). The District Court dismissed complaint on grounds (1) that it lacked jurisdiction 1343(3), as section applies only if 'personal' rights, opposed 'property' are impaired, (2) was barred by 2283, proscribing injunctions against proceedings. Held: 1. There is no distinction between personal liberties proprietary rights respect Pp. 542—552. (a) Neither language nor legislative history distinguishes property rights. 543—546. (b) conflict 1331, 1331 does not provide any basis for narrowing scope 1343(3) jurisdiction. 546 550. (c) It would be virtually impossible apply 'personal liberties' limitation there real dichotomy has long been recognized basic civil 550 552. 2. Prejudgment garnishment levied maintained without participation courts, thus an injunction such action provisions 2283. 552—556. 318 F.Supp. 1111, reversed remanded. David M. Lesser, New Haven, Conn., appellants. Richard G. Bell, appellees. Mr. Justice STEWART delivered opinion Court. 1 In 1968, appellant, Mrs. Lynch, resident Connecticut, directed employer deposit $10 $69 weekly wage credit union account. 1969, appellee $525 court, note. Before she served corporation authorize at behest attorneys alleged creditors.1 2 then brought this class federal district sheriffs who levy bank accounts creditors invoke statute.2 had notice opportunity heard. She claimed were invalid pursuant 19833 1343(3).4 A three judges convened hear claim §§ 2281 2284. 3 did reach merits case. evidentiary hearing statute prohibiting proceedings, 1111. We noted probable jurisdiction, 1253,5 consider issues presented. 401 935, 91 962, 214. 4 hold, reasons follow, neither 2283 warranted dismissal appellant's complaint. Accordingly, we remand case consideration remaining litigation. 5 * dismissing complaint, held allegedly impaired. relied decision Appeals Second Circuit Eisen v. Eastman, 421 F.2d 560, 563, which rested, turn, Stone's well-known generation ago Hague CIO, 307 496, 531, 59 954, 971, 83 L.Ed. 1423. also, e.g., Weddle Director, Cir., 436 342; Bussie Long, 383 766; Howard Higgins, 10 379 227. 6 This never adopted guide contours jurisdiction.6 Today expressly reject distinction. 7 words provision fact, Congress enacted predecessor seems clearly have intended judicial forum redress wrongful deprivations persons acting color law. 8 traced origin counterpart Civil Rights Act 1866, 14 Stat. 27. Adickes S. H. Kress & Co., 398 144, 162—163, 90 1598, 1611—1612, 26 142; Monroe Pape, 365 167, 171, 183—185, 81 473, 475, 481—483, 492.7 That guaranteed 'broad sweeping . .protection' Sullivan Little Hunting Park, Inc., 396 229, 237, 400, 404, 24 386. Acquisition, enjoyment, alienation among those Jones Alfred Mayer 392 409. 432, 88 2186, 2199, 20 1189.8 9 Amendment vindicated all established 1866. Monroe, supra, U.S., S.Ct., 1475; Hague, 509—510, 961—962. 'It cannot doubted protected from discriminatory acquire, enjoy, own dispose property. Equality enjoyment regarded framers essential pre-condition realization other guarantee.' Shelley Kraemer, 334 1, 10, 68 836, 841, 1161. Buchanan Warley, 245 60, 74—79, 38 16, 18—20, 62 149; Flack, Adoption 75—78, 81, 90—97 (1908); J. tenBroek, Antislavery Origins (1951). broad concept embodied 1866 unmistakably evident 1871, 17 13, direct lineal ancestor Not 1871 derived Act,9 but passed express purpose 'enforc(ing) Provisions Amendment.' 13. And protect described chairman House Select Committee drafted legislation 'the life liberty, right acquire possess every kind, pursue obtain happiness safety.' Cong.Globe, 42d Cong., 1st Sess., App. 69 (1871) (Rep. Shellabarger, quoting Corfield Coryell, Fed.Cas. pp. 546, 551—552, 3,230 (CCED Pa.)). protection well also confirmed President Grant's message urging passage legislation,10 remarks many members during debates.11 B 11 1875, granted courts 'all suits nature common or equity arising Constitution laws United States.' 18 470. Unlike general federal-question provisions, forerunner required minimum amount controversy proved.12 decisions followed it, reflect view apparent 1331,13 i.e., reading include secured render amount-in-controversy requirement, superfluous. These opinions harmonize two construing conferring when asserted personal, proprietary. 12 initial failure reasoning supposed simply exist. Section infringements 'color State law,' whereas contains requirement. Thus, example, officials constitutional necessary satisfy requirement Oestereich Selective Service System Local Board 11, 393 233, 89 414, 21 402; Bivens Six Unknown Named Agents, 403 388, 1999, 29 619. 13 But more fundamental point made contraction supported 1331. 1875 giving power Art. III, 2, was, like expansion national authority over matters that, before War, left States. F. Frankfurter Landis, Business Supreme 65 (1928); Zwickler Koota, 389 241, 245—248, 391, 393—395, 19 444; Chadbourn Levin, Original Jurisdiction Federal Questions, U.Pa.L.Rev. 639, 645 (1942). therefore, 'clearly part of, rather than exception to, trend preceded it.' 645; Zwickler, supra. very little discussion measure enactment, contrast extensive congressional debate attended 1871.14 is, result, indication whatsoever Congress, hastily measure, narrow four years earlier major legislation.15 'cardinal rule repeals implication favored,' Posadas National City Bank, 296 497, 503, 56 349, 352, 80 351; Co. 437, 2202; counsels refusal pare down jurisdiction—and substantive 1983—by means way. statutory descendents must given meaning sweep their origins dictate.16 15 Moreover, although reduce congestion S.Rep.No.1830, 85th 2d Sess. (1958), U.S.Code Cong. Admin.News, p. 3099, substantially lessened importance passing confer requirement.17 So increased $3,000 $10,000, July 25, 1958, 72 415, clear primary concern judiciary's workload regard cases diversity 1332, 1331.18 16 final, compelling reason rejecting upon virtual impossibility applying it.19 particularly bedeviled 'mixed' both implicated, line them difficult draw consistency principled objectivity.20 us presents good example conceptual difficulties created test.21 Such indicate false one. Property People enjoy unlawful deprivation, less speak travel, truth, right, whether question welfare check, home, interdependence exists liberty could other. recognized. Locke, Of Government 82—85 (1924); Adams, Defence Constitutions States America, Coker, Democracy, Liberty, 121—132 (1942); W. Blackstone, Commentaries, *138—140. these do reaffirm judgment today. II Under may 'grant stay proceedings except authorized where aid effectuate judgments.' alternative ground contends inapplicable because prejudgment Conn.Gen.Stat.Rev. 52—32922 proceeding court. agree.23 instituted order. Ibid.; E. Stephenson, Procedure 151 (2d ed. 1970).24 garnishment—usually effected deputy sheriff—does may, occur commencement creditor's suit. Young Margiotta, 136 Conn. 429, 433, 71 A.2d 924, 926. Despite court's control plaintiff's docketed case, 'distinct independent action.' Potter Appleby, 641, 643, 73 819, 820. secured, merely hands garnishee. 52 329. courts. enjoin finance company's suit 'garnishment separated underlying personam action,' bar interference existing creditors' caused 'probably substantial.' F.Supp., 1115. According appellees, make eventual pending effective. Hill Martin, 393, 403, 278, 282, 293. argument persuasive context scheme. Garnishment might serve subsequent Cf. Hill, supra; Manufacturers Record Publishing Lauer, 268 187, cert. denied, 361 913, 258, 184; Furnish Medical Examiners California, 257 520, 358 882, 79 123, 111. taken private parties supervision25 using, agents, themselves order authority. 22 said 'proceeding' forbidden 'includes steps officers institution close final process.' Id., 282 (emphasis supplied). occurred process. 23 More important, insulated appears one few attorney creditor garnish attach judge clerk 230. person whose seized can get minimal best.26 they unconstitutionally. Michael's Jewelers Handy, Conn.Cir. 103, 266 904; Harris Barone, 147 158 855. One assumption will vindicate claims fairly efficiently doors effectively closed seeking grounds. Because extrajudicial garnishment, maintenance not, terms light conclusion, need decide 'expressly Congress.' explicitly open decisions.27 put side act asked 'in court' within 25 conclude, entertain 1983. reversed, remanded further consistent opinion. so ordered. 27 Judgment POWELL REHNQUIST took WHITE, whom THE CHIEF JUSTICE BLACKMUN join, dissenting. 30 I agree 1343 limited adjudication disposition turned solely issue reservation join majority either approach takes antiinjunction statute, conclusion mean suggest appellants' due process attack substantial. obviously is. Sniadach Family Corp., 395 337, 1820, 349 (1969). Nevertheless, my view, appellants should press attachment method beginning lawsuit. 52—329; 156—157, 232—237 1970). course, requisite service defendant 52—54, secure effective 244, matter certain kinds actions plaintiff simultaneously defendant's summons defendant, together stating action. 52—329. obtains questions concerning return 67. 'ancillary main damages exist 143. Its purpose, notes, available satisfaction judgment. Ibid. writ issued 52—89 (Supp.1969), unlike most States, requires determination, licensed attorney. 51—85. accomplished completing form. 32 seven months after executed, served, returned, At earliest moment this, purports sever underlies it. carried out Ante, 554—555. 33 If severable matter, outside suppose permissible attachment, obtained inception lawsuit, while progress, execution. anti-injunction articulated Simon Southern R. 236 115, 124—125, 35 255, 258—259, 492 (1915), thought, laid rest 293 (1935), construed 'proceedings State' comprehensively embracing 34 appellate original proceedings; doctrine res judicata. alike ministerial officers; execution judgment, supplemental ancillary making effective.' (Footnotes omitted.) today embarks quite different course rejects Martin substantial body appeals effect bars executions judgments. E.g., 187 (CA5), 184 (1959); 520 (CA9), 111 (1958); Norwood Parenteau, 228 148 (CA8 1955), 351 955, 76 852, 100 1478 (1956).1 36 suggests here apparently therefore interfere processes. Until now, however, reasonably avoided simple expedient enjoining instead judges. Oklahoma Packing Gas Electric 309 4, 9, 60 215, 218, 84 537 (1940). Court's rationale proves too much. Contrary views expressed enjoined time litigation addition, performing tasks orderly progress acts Depositions witnesses, interrogatories parties, subpoenas witnesses commonly pursued resort judge. Are functions performed now subject option offended litigant? 37 Today's will, fear, create confusion applicability turn rules apply. potential increase price errors paid litigants alike. sense me, parcel characterized separate action, nonetheless derives legitimacy accompanies. brought, since completed acquired straightforward cause including constitutionality me apart today's holding departs Stefanelli Minard, 342 117, 118, 96 138 (1951), Perez Ledesma, 82, 674, 701 (1971), counsel atomizing enjoining, introduction illegally evidence, admonitions Younger Harris, 37, 746, 699 (1971); Samuels Mackell, 66, 764, 688 Boyle Landry, 77, 758, 696 improvident exercise equitable powers frustrate operations adjudicating involved adjudicated there. As Stefanelli, interventions permitted, '(e)very procedural law—with far-flung undefined range—would invite flanking movement system forum, review Court, determine issue.' 122. resort, 'would ready opportunities, conscientious bound employ, subvert orderly, prosecution local crime courts.' 123—124, 39 Barrett invokes companion affirming criminal relevant considerations, equally applicable case.2 40 affirm below. For description Connecticut's scheme, see Part opinion, infra. second named Norma Toro, checking former landlord, Eugene Composano. Subsequently Composano released An mootness—which resolved Court—is issue. garnished, Toro considerations type seem identical shall refer Lynch. raised propriety classes purported represented our leave remand. provides: 'Every who, ordinance, regulation, custom, usage, Territory, subjects, causes subjected, citizen thereof deprivation privileges, immunities laws, liable party injured law, equity, proper redress.' states part: 'The commenced person: '(3) To custom privilege immunity providing equal citizens .' appellees argue appeal three-judge 1253, lack lie depends 'whether (court was) convened.' Moody Flowers, 387 97, 99, 87 1544, 1546, 643. challenges seeks enforcement. raises It, meets requirements convening 2281; Idlewild Bon Voyage Liquor Epstein, 370 713, 715, 82 1294, 1296, 794. distinguished 701, rely. ordinance statewide application. Perez, 89, 679 (concurring opinion). When sought, 1253 subject-matter Baker Carr, 369 186, 691, 663; Abernathy Carpenter, 373 1295, 409; Doud Hodge, 350 485, 491, 577; Florida Lime Avocado Growers Jacobsen, 362 73, 568, thought Cameron Johnson, 390 611, 1335, 182. note permits orders 'granting denying interlocutory permanent They considered Appeals. entered 'denying plaintiffs.' cite decided 1423, say, support liberties. Carter Greenhow, 114 317, 928, 202; Pleasants 323, 931, 204; Holt Indiana Mfg. 176 68, 272, 44 374. rely recent affirmances, infringed Hornbeak Hamm, 47, 14, aff'g 283 549 (MD Ala.1968); 409, 208 793 (WD Mo.1962). All collection taxes. treated enforcement tax governed unique restricted accordingly: enjoin, suspend restrain assessment, plain, speedy efficient remedy State.' 1341. repeatedly anticipatory laws. Dows Chicago, Wall. 108, 65; Matthews Rodgers, 284 521, 217, 447; Great Lakes Dredge Dock Huffman, 319 293, 63 1070, 1407; 126—127, n. 17, 697—698 (opinion Brennan, J.). cited seen restriction special cases, long-standing policy. model Sections descendants 1871. 1874, consolidated various large titles Revised Statutes codify became counterpart. Rev.Stat. 1979. Although Constitution, enlarged well. Originally, circuit After codification grant expanded provision, 563(12). 'providing rights.' 629(16). 1911, abolished courts' merged sections into what 'equal rights' retained revised grant. Mar. 3, 1087. wording alleges violations, provides identically. Douglas Jeannette, 157, 161, 877, 880, 1324. generally Report C. Shurz, S.Exec.Doc.No.2, 39th (1865); 3034 3035 219 (1866); (1951); Frank Munro, Understanding 'Equal Laws,' 50 Col.L.Rev. 131, 144—145 (1950). Act, 27, currently codified slightly form 242, read pertinent '(A)ny subject, inhabitant act, punishment, pains, penalties having condition slavery involuntary servitude deemed guilty misdemeanor (Emphasis supplied.) provided violation Act. Screws 325 91, 98—100, 1031, 1033—1035, 1495. latter enumerated protected, including, inter alia, 'to enforce contracts, sue inherit, purchase, lease, sell, convey Representative stated (§ Act) found known 'civil act.' identically same (1871). President, dated stated: FC 'A affairs some Union rendering insecure urgently recommend effectually life, property, parts 244. See, 332—334 Hoar); 369—370 Monroe); 375—376 Lowe); 429 Beatty); 448 Butler); 459—461 Coburn); 475—476 Dawes); 501 (Sen. Frelinghuysen); 568 Edmunds); 577 Carpenter); 607 Pool); 650—651 Sumner); 653 Osborn); 666 Spencer). S.Rep.No.1, Several Senate formed investigate conditions investigation 'ascertain secure. II. $500 $2,000 1887, 552; 1091; $10,000 415. plaintiffs city ordinances distribution printed public meetings permit. violated members' free speech assembly. Both failed establish controversy. commanded majority, upheld. Roberts, writing lead reference 'any Constitution' interpreted cover violations Privileges Immunities Clause Amendment. 170—171, 475—476, 492, rejected similar '(A) study bill revealed Congressional yields enactment time, even raise strong presumption 'sneak' legislation. originally introduced Representatives amend removal statute.' 642—643 Nonetheless, despite debate, 'culmination strengthen states.' (1928). Maury, Late Effect Jurisdiction, Remedies Generally, Am.L.Reg. 129 (1875). noted, 1983's Constitution. 1091, reduced. preserved exemption 1343(3)'s Price, 787, 797, 86 1152, 1158, 267, phrase 'rights, States,' contained embrace modeled 242's predecessor, '(w)e seek ingenious analytical instruments' avoid require. 801, 1160. series particular controversy, areas otherwise fall statute. cover: admiralty, maritime, 1333; bankruptcy 1334; Interstate Commerce Commission, 1336; regulating commerce, 1337; patent, copyright, trademark 1338; postal matters, 1339; internal revenue duties actions, 1340; election disputes, 1344; party, 1345, 1346, 1347, 1348, 1349, 1358, 1361; tort aliens, 1350; bonds executed 1352; involving Indian allotments, 1353; injuries 1357. 'While questions, greater so-called exempt provisions.' S.Rep.No. 1830, (1958). report echoing finding Judicial Conference's Venue raising 'have significant mainly cases.' 22. Recent studies demonstrated still 'relatively impact volume litigation.' American Law Institute, Study Division Between Courts 172, 489—492 Warren, Address 1960, F.R.D. 213; Wright, 107 Information Administrative Office shows involve $10,000. 491. increasing, constituted 4.6% 1970 fiscal year. Courts, Report, 31. above, rights-personal test application claims. 566 10. have, continually cases. California Department Human Resources Development Java, 402 121, 666; Rosado Wyman, 397 397, 1207, 442; King Smith, 309, 2128, 1118; Goldberg Kelly, 254, 1011, 287; Dandridge Williams, 471, 1153, 491; Damico 416, 526, 647. Rinaldi Yeager, 384 305, 1497, Swarb Lennox, 191, 767, 138; Lindsey Normet, 56, 862, 36. arguably, nonetheless. Difficulty source commentators' dissatisfaction limitation. Note, Vand.L.Rev. 990 Laufer, C.I.O.: Test Reappraisal, Buff.L.Rev. 547 (1970); Duke L.J. 819; 43 N.Y.U.L.Rev. 1208 (1968); 66 Harv.L.Rev. 1285 (1953). produced inconsistent results regarding Compare Roberts Harder, 440 1229, Alvarado Schmidt, D.C., 317 1027. 19, Yet, always explaining why interests 'proprietary,' consistently discrimination issuance business licenses. Barnes Merritt, 376 8; Glicker Michigan Control Comm'n, 160 96. Similarly, employment, Birnbaum Trussell, 371 672, termination leases housing projects, Escalera York Housing Authority, 425 853, often cognizable How interest wages deposited account, readily discernible. Santiago McElroy, 284. access funds indistinguishable ownership money. Thus infringe unable pay rent encountered difficulty maintaining family minimally adequate diet. allegations true, Lynch's profoundly affected savings. 'When effects decree payment money rendered concealed his agent trustee attached, debt debt, legacy distributive share become estate deceased insolvent debtor, insert direction officer true attested copy accompanying least twelve days superior pleas, six session returnable, agent, debtor or, be, executor, administrator estate, usual place abode garnishee; leaving garnishee, garnishee share, him insolvency, execution, recover.' Roudebush Hartke, 15, 804, occurs lawyer, Commissioner Superior 51—85, 52—89. includes sheriff fact plaintiffs' are, formally, convert purposes, complete discretion writ. Sharkiewicz 142 410, 691; Sachs Nussenbaum, 682, 104 A. 393. inquire claim, circumstances warrant provisional security creditor. 689, A., 395. Prior litigation, reduced dissolved showing excessive excess claim—or substitution bond surety. 52—302 52—304. Black Watch Farms Dick, 323 100, 101 102. involvement termed 'meager.' 154. Dombrowski Pfister, 380 479, 484 85 1116, 1119, 22; 613, 1337, 182; 54, 755, 669. circuits divided question. Cf., Cooper Hutchinson, 119, Baines Danville, 337 579. Some persists operation procured fraud. 179—181 presented here. Mitchum Foster, 70—27, sub judice.

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