Document: 362 U.S. 384 80 S.Ct. 785 4 L.Ed.2d 812 MACKEY, Commissioner of Immigration and Naturalization Service, et al., Appellants,v.Francisco MENDOZA-MARTINEZ. No. 29. Argued Dec. 8, 1959. Decided April 18, 1960. Mr. Oscar H. Davis, Washington, D.C., for appellants. Thomas R. respondent. PER CURIAM. 1 This is a suit by appellee declaratory judgment that he citizen the United States. The District Court sustained contention States had lost his citizenship reason § 401(j)1 Nationality Act 1940, 54 Stat. 1137, as amended, 58 746, 8 U.S.C. 1481(a)(10), U.S.C.A. Appeals affirmed. 9 Cir., 238 F.2d 239. Meanwhile we decided Trop v. Dulles, 356 86, 78 590, 2 630, when certiorari was sought here granted petition remanded cause to reconsideration in light decision. 258, 713, 757. On remand held 401(j) unconstitutional. case on direct appeal (28 1252, 28 1252) from holding therefore We noted probable jurisdiction. 359 933, 79 648, 3 635. After argued Court, sua sponte, put parties following questions based appellee's conviction draft evasion:2 '(1) Was evasion premised any respect upon status after date enactment Section 401(j)? '(2) If so, does foreclose litigation present case? 5 '(3) Are foregoing appropriate Court's consideration?' 6 have filed supplemental briefs them it appears offense charged, which pleaded guilty, departing November 15, 1942, evade service Armed Forces remaining away until 1, 1946. statute under convicted placed duty 'every male States, every other person residing States.' 885, 55 844, 50 U.S.C.App. 303(a) (1940 ed. Supp. I).3 7 Appellee contends while requires aliens here, inapplicable nonresident aliens; charge indictment remained could be applicable only if were citizen. Indeed facts stipulated state birth. It follows, argues, violation necessarily included an adjudication citizenship, brings into play doctrine collateral estoppel (Washington, Alexandria & Georgetown Steam Packet Co. Sickles, Wall. 580, 18 L.Ed. 550; Emich Motors Corp. General Corp., 340 558, 71 408, 95 534) since subsequent September 27, 1944, 401(j). Solicitor inter alia, issue not involved alien would made out even though left country provided serve attached resided here. suggests, however, avoidance constitutional clearly necessary importance are important factors considered disposing case. He view 'there so little ground saying has already been definitively decided, believe this should need canvassed Court.' Yet with customary candor says, 'But convinced record authoritatively determined favor 1947 criminal proceeding, oppose resolution basis.' question clouds underlying constitutionality. Since may dispositive case, permission amend pleadings, they desire, obtain it. ordered. 10 Cause Court. 11 Separate memorandum Justice FRANKFURTER. 12 General's acquiescence having disposed avoiding decision concerning validity one presented record, probably reflects understandable desire part Government adjudicate unembarrassed extraneous problem did come surface submitted. I do think new matter—a claim estoppel—should court first instance. No matter how sympathetic towards liberalization pleading informality judicial proceedings, intrinsic demands orderliness process require issues render appropriately defined through pleadings proceedings lower courts initially shaped Apart all else, taking testimony before long ceased feasible, act merits claim, rather opaque law estoppel, resting documentary submissions subject test testimonial examination. 13 am prepared, therefore, accede suggestion, but wiping slate clean. calls order vacating Southern California well deportation derived finding Act, conclusion very controversy. without summarizing positions relevantly us and, above all, intimation regarding seriousness such claim. 14 CLARK, whom HARLAN WHITTAKER join, dissenting. 15 now some six years, proper administration decide raised belatedly sponte. As see it, can raise certainly additional delay go motions amending suggested. then pass advise Congress its power field, legislated 16 years ago. reads follows: 'A who national whether birth or naturalization, shall lose nationality by: '(j) Departing outside jurisdiction time war during period declared President emergency purpose evading training land naval forces relevant are: 'III. Plaintiff born March 3, 1922, thus at 'IV. Under laws Mexico plaintiff now, ever been, Republic Mexico. 'V. During 1942 departed went sole 'VI. continuously sometime about 1946 'VII. June 23, 1947, plea guilty Selective Service Training 1940. sentenced imprisonment year day.' Now U.S.C.A.Appendix, 454.

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