Document: 384 U.S. 373 86 S.Ct. 1523 16 L.Ed.2d 629 Paul Theodore CHEFF, Petitioner,v.Elmer J. SCHNACKENBERG et al. No. 67. Argued March 3, 1966. Decided June 6, [Syllabus from pages 373-375 intentionally omitted] Joseph E. Casey, Washington, D.C., for petitioner. Nathan Lewin, respondents. Mr. Justice CLARK announced the judgment of Court and delivered an opinion in which THE CHIEF JUSTICE, BRENNAN FORTAS join. 1 This is a companion case to 412, Shillitani v. United States, 442, Pappadio 364, 1531. Unlike those cases, this criminal contempt proceeding. 2 Upon petition Federal Trade Commission, Cheff was charged, along with Holland Furnace Company 10 other its officers, Appeals Seventh Circuit. The alleged contemnors were tried before panel three judges without jury. corporation including Cheff, found guilty violating previous order that court. former president chairman board Holland, sentenced six months' imprisonment; two officers fined $500 each; $100,000. remaining eight individuals acquitted. 341 F.2d 548. petitioned certiorari. We denied Holland's petition, Co. Schnackenberg, 381 924, 85 1559, 14 L.Ed.2d683, granted Cheff's, limited review question whether, after denial demand jury, sentence imprisonment months constitutionally permissible under Article III Sixth Amendment. 382 917, 285, 15 232. hold not entitled jury trial affirm judgment. I. 3 had inception proceedings Commission where, 1954, complaints issued against charging it unfair methods competition deceptive trade practices connection sale products. After extensive hearings, cease-and-desist 'and agents, representatives employees' prohibiting continuance illegal. In Matter Co., 55 F.T.C. (1958). 4 set aside Commission. Soon thereafter claiming continuing violate order, moved pendente lite requiring compliance. On August 5, 1959, court commanding 'obey comply cease desist * unless until said shall be upon by or Supreme States *.' forms basis Meanwhile, decided adversely corporation. separate opinions, upheld jurisdiction enter F.T.C., 7 Cir., 269 203 (1959), affirmed on merits, 295 302 (1961). 5 1962 show cause order. A rule attorneys appointed prosecute behalf Thereafter, April 1963, rules as individuals, why they should held 'by reason having knowingly, wilfully caused, aided abetted causing, respondent disobey, fail refuse with' 1959. demanded trial, denied, following full hearing extending over 10-day period him guilty. As we have stated, imposed. accordance grant certiorari, there no issue here sufficiency hearing, excepting absence II. 6 first contends stem administrative law enforcement are civil, rather than criminal, nature. may true where purpose proceeding remedial. Cf. Within context us, however, contention irrelevant, required civil proceedings, specifically reaffirm Shillitani, supra. any event, merit. could been remedial he severed all connections 1962, long instituted him. He control whatever longer require compliance Moreover, himself points out, 'had completely withdrawn business replacement furnaces, area violation alleged.' There was, therefore, 'absence necessity assuring future compliance' made six-month 'entirely punitive.' Brief Petitioner, p. 16. can doubt courts appeals power punish contempt. 18 U.S.C. § 401 (1964 ed.). See e.g., cases cited Barnett, 376 681, 694, n. 12, 84 984, 991, 12 23 (1964). And matters arises indirectly agency. Appeals, sole ground stated initial served parties adjudged court, violations court's Indeed, Cheff's answer itself verified violated, disobeyed, failed refused 'an Circuit entered 1959 (Italics added.) addition, quite specific limiting charges 'cover entry final (in October 1961) court.' F.2d, at 550. clearly authority interlocutory Act, 38 Stat. 719, amended, 45(c) ed.), follows has disobedience 8 next chief actions falling within requirements Amendment Constitution.* Only Terms ago contrary supra; some members view that, regard seriousness offense, punishment summary would penalty provided petty offenses. U.S., S.Ct., 991. us right attaches contempts merely outside category 'petty offenses.' 9 argument unavailing, constrained equivalent procedure our decisions does trial. Over 75 years Callan Wilson, 127 540, 557, 1301, 1307, 32 L.Ed. 223 (1888), 'in class grade offences called offences,' which, according common law, proceeded summarily tribunal legally constituted purpose,' required. late 1937 reiterated District Columbia Clawans, 300 617, 624, 57 660, 661, 81 843, that: 'It settled extend every At time adoption Constitution numerous offenses, commonly described 'petty,' also Natal State Louisiana, 139 621, 11 636, 35 288 (1891); Lawton Steele, 152 133, 141—142, 499, 502—503, 385 (1894); Schick 195 65, 68—72, 24 826, 827—828, 49 99 (1904); Colts, 282 63, 72—73, 51 52, 53, 177 (1930). Goldberg, joined Chief Douglas, took position his dissenting supra, 751, 1018, 'at types 'petty' offenses punishable trivial penalties generally triable history justifies imposition more contempts.' According '(a)ny misdemeanor, exceed offense.' Since received (see 627—628, 663—664), since nature contempt, offense sui generis, not, itself, warrant treatment otherwise (cf. supra), treated only eyes statute prior decisions. conclude therefore properly convicted same time, recognize exceeding imposed leave federal sea instances involving greater sentences. Effective administration compels express point. Therefore, exercise Court's supervisory peculiar revise sentences further absent waiver thereof. Nothing said, restricts reviewing appropriate circumstances, juries. affirmed. Affirmed. 13 STEWART, joining Part I HARLAN'S opinion, concurs result. WHITE part decision case. HARLAN, concurring result 67 Nos. 412 442. By opinions these new limitations use inaugurated. prison must defendant afforded Pappadio, automatic 'purge' clause related indicia convert into sanction cannot survive grand jury's expiration. believe erroneous reasoning alike. 17 ending product views four Justices who rest conclusion others trials but contempts. rely find constitutional 'difficult' one. Ante, 1533. However, recently 1958, Green 356 165, 78 632, 672 unequivocally declared prosecution subject petit Art. III, 2, Fifth Amendments. doctrine, accepted early days Republic1 steadfastly adhered Court,2 recognized now definitive petitioners' claims each us. prevailing opinion's supervisory-power seems me equally infirm. few devoted dictum give limitation desirable. Nor anything about actually warrants reappraisal present practice sentencing. months. pappadio involved two-year moderated purge seemingly neither disputed facts suitable Among prominent shortcomings rule, simply disregarded, difficulty generate seeking implement locally unpopular decrees. Another problem administration: decide whether proffer judge look ahead sentence, depends precise reveal. 19 my view, improvises necessarily based pure policy largely shrugs off history, far persuasive showing expected. 20 No less remarkable upsetting jailings really endure beyond term.3 It hardly suggested lower did intend invoke keep petitioners jail expired; demonstrated entire record.4 Instead, attempts characterize supposed primary essential 'purpose' then lops so much do conform purpose. What fails policy, precedent, unspoken premise sentencing combine purposes single type 21 Without arguing primary, obviously fixed embody elements both safeguards superior disadvantaged regard, nor claim otherwise. Adding benefit petitioners, complaint. Similarly public interest exerting strong pressure obtain answers while tailoring length recalcitrance more. see deemed impermissible. 22 For foregoing reasons, judgments unimpaired.5 DOUGLAS, whom BLACK concurs, dissenting. adhere expressed dissents 193, 648, 672, 724, 728, 1007, 23, 'crime' meaning 'criminal prosecution' Amendment, guarantee such cases.1 Punishment minor affair adopted, lengthy sort today being relatively recent innovation.2 how tolerate 'exception' historic guaranty when men sent periods years.3 consequences conviction end completion serving what substantial sentence. Indeed Government contexts regards serious crimes. 25 Thus Attorney General, advisory letter dated January 26, 1966, Deputy Secretary Defense Cyrus R. Vance, concluded applied exclude Army veteran burial Arlington National Cemetery. Exclusion regulation (30 Fed.Reg. 8996) denies national cemetery person 'WHO IS CONVICTED IN FEDERAL COURt crime crimes, tHe (Emphasis General stated: 'Criminal regarded most (citing cases), apparent why, interment regulation, distinguished infraction imprisonment.' 26 regarding matter, strictly between accused. 'We take false one-sided ignore dynamic aspects. year books teach principle beginnings. They beginning end.' Cardozo, Growth Law 104—105 (1924). 27 suggests exceeds period. distinction noted footnote Barnett case, drew analogy prosecutions offenses' need jury.4 seeks buttress reference 1, declares offense. studiously avoids embracing HARLAN (384 380, 1537), event But lines dimension figure. That mechanical distinction—unsupported either field 28 analysis lies attempting define square offense' exception requirement. First, determination requires itself; even though short particular will if character. Second, extent relevant process characterization, maximum potential one imposed, considered. 29 notion conducted expounded (1888).5 Court, 'conceding usually embraced statutes, jury,' charged—conspiracy—was among them. Id., 555, 1306. 288, 'petty.' local ordinance forbade operation private market squares market. $25 fine (or 30 days' paid).6 99, knowing purchase unstamped oleomargarine $50 fine. None provides guidance locate line demarcation transgressions 177, attempted out general considerations. reckless driving excessive speed; (for offender) $100 jail. Although light, thought too 'petty': 31 'Whether given classed crime, primarily charged malum prohibitum, very se. indictable horses, instead gasoline, motive power. *' 73, 53. engaging license. $300 90 Clawans 60 thus noted, law; infringement police regulations, 'relatively inoffensive.' 625, 662. But, added, 'the severity (is) element considered.' Ibid. Looking might imposed—90 prison—the severe Noting England, during country's colonial period, assumed mild 'may come harsh call trial.' 627, 663. added: 33 '(W)e imprisonment, prescribed pre-Revolutionary admissible, concluding ninety much. Doubts resolved, subjectively recourse own sympathy emotions, objective standards observed laws community taken gauge social ethical judgments.' 34 Resolution confining inquiry many factors. demonstrates, character relevance possible 'taken (the) judgments' community. 628, Had considerable length, presumably legislative judgment—that licensing law—precluded treating converse always true: light demonstrates. principal inquiry, then, relates gravity itself. Was law? Is se prohibitum? stigma committing offense?7 dictum, accepting errs assuming considerations irrelevant.8 36 errs, further, because looks seen, sheds legislature Reference serve presently impossible refer 'maximum' contempts, none; Congress left discretion courts.9 37 is, course, several diverse bearing name. Some involve conduct violates courtroom decorum. times offender insulted distance. Others adamant witness refuses testify. Still others, like directing certain pending appeal. While fairly affairs, indeed, deserving So lumped together, legal petty. Distinctions fact, draw irrelevant factors seem analysis. III. Constitution, it, Should wish designated considered, truly characterized 'petty.'10 isolate Do undertake task defining fix punishments imposed? 39 project faintly reminiscent declaring 'common-law crimes,' judiciary republic. Hudson, Cranch 32, 259; Gradwell, 243 476, 485, 407, 410, 61 857. Hudson holding powerless common-law jurisdiction—set apart restriction: 40 'Certain implied powers Courts justice their institution. crimes state powers. To contempt—imprison contumacy—inforce observance &c. dispensed necessary others: possess immediately derived statute; powers.' 34.11 41 course. classify different kinds permits reasons course wrong dangerously wrong. Until defined isolated species escape manner portions provisions declare: 'The Crimes, except Cases Impeachment, Jury 2. 'In prosecutions, accused enjoy speedy impartial E.g., Ex parte Burr, Fed.Cas. 791, 797 (No. 2,186) (C.C.D.C.1823) (Cranch, C.J.): '(C)ases never considered intention second section third article constitution States; attachments ever sixth amendment. Many (constitutional) convention congress, believed silently acquiesced palpable constitution, contained seventeenth act 1789 (1 73),—which authorizes 'to courts, same,'—if construction has, contended bar.' Terry, 128 289, 313, 77, 82, 405 (1888) (Harlan, J.); Savin, 131 267, 278, 699, 702, 150 (1889) Eilenbecker Plymouth County, 134 31, 36, 424, 426, 801 (1890) (Miller, Interstate Commerce Comm'n Brimson, 154 447, 489, 1125, 1137, 1047 (1894) Bessette W. B. Conkey 194 324, 336—337, 665, 670, 48 997 (1904) (Brewer, Gompers Bucks Stove & Range 221 418, 450, 492, 501, (1911) (Lamar, 233 604, 610—611, 693, 695, 58 1115 (1914) (Holmes, Hudgings, 249 378, 383, 337, 339, 63 656 (1919) (White, C.J.); Myers 264 95, 104—105, 44 272, 273, 68 577 (1924) (McReynolds, Michaelson 266 42, 67, 45 18, 20, 69 162 (Sutherland, Grossman, 267 87, 117—118, 332, 335—336, 527 (1925) (Taft, Fisher Pace, 336 155, 159 160, 425, 427, 93 569 (1949) (Reed, Offutt 348 11, 14, 13, (1954) (Frankfurter, J.). raised encompassed certiorari 916, 287, 231, petitioner, filed discussing point tendered brief merits phase example, Judgment Commitment states contempt' orders committed 'for Two (2) Years, Court,' questions answered expires. corrective uses somewhat language intended work change scope requirement Frankfurter Corcoran, Petty Offenses Constitutional Guaranty Trial Jury, Harv.L.Rev. 968 975 (1926). 207—208 21, 655—656 (dissenting opinion); 740—749, 1012—1018 opinion). Goldberg's historical materials subjected criticism (see, Tefft, Barnett: "Twas Famous Victory,' Review 123, 132—133 (1964); 27—58 Appendix, passim, Harris 162, 352, 240), appear, nonetheless, exception. See, Brown 359 41, 79 539, 609 (15 months); Piemonte 367 556, 1720, 1028 (18 Reina 364 507, 260, (two years); supra (three Collins 745 Thompson, 214 545 (four years). fiscal 30, total people system. Of these, average 6.4 Sentences prisoners exceeded months; year, Prison System.—1964, Hearing Subcommittee Penitentiaries Senate Committee Judiciary, 88th Cong., 2d Sess. (Jan. 22, 1964), 10. put matter thus: 'However, indicated irrespective certification, entitle impending effective 992. 917 Their conclusion, challenged Kaye, Offenders Have Peers, Chi.L.Rev. 245 (1959). courts. afford cases; took, instead, narrower 'Broadly speaking, acts dealt offend deeply moral community, close society's danger, stigmatized light.' 980—981. 'Some reflects carries correct. Yet, punishment, 402 might, determine breaches decorum render advisable forgo possibility favor maintaining procedures quick Fed.Rule Crim.Proc. 42(a); 240) achieve 'summary vindication dignity authority.' Cooke 517, 534, 390, 394, 767. contempts' slight Quaere, term consistent 245, 275—277 402, allows 'all (to be) punished conformity usages law.'

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