Document: 455 U.S. 209 102 S.Ct. 940 71 L.Ed.2d 78 Harold J. SMITH, Superintendent, Attica Correctional Facilityv.William R. PHILLIPS. No. 80-1082. Argued Nov. 9, 1981. Decided Jan. 25, 1982. Syllabus After being convicted of murder at a jury trial in New York court, respondent moved to vacate his conviction on the ground that juror case submitted during an application for employment as investigator District Attorney's Office, and prosecuting attorneys, upon informed juror's application, withheld information from court respondent's defense counsel until after trial. At hearing motion before same judge who had presided trial, was denied, finding "beyond reasonable doubt" events giving rise did not influence verdict. The Appellate Division Supreme Court affirmed conviction, Appeals denied leave appeal. Subsequently, sought habeas corpus relief Federal Court, alleging he been due process law under Fourteenth Amendment by conduct question. While insufficient evidence demonstrate actually biased, nevertheless imputed bias him and, accordingly, ordered released unless State granted new United States Appeals, without considering whether or impliedly prosecutors' failure disclose their knowledge about process. Held: Respondent either job application. Pp. 215-221. (a) Due does require every time has placed potentially compromising situation. means capable willing decide solely it, ever watchful prevent prejudicial occurrences determine effect such when they happen. Such determinations may properly be made like held this case. Remmer v. States, 347 227, 74 450, 98 L.Ed. 654. Moreover, federal action, state judge's findings are presumptively correct 28 U.S.C. § 2254(d). courts proceedings must disturb courts' articulates some basis disarming statutory presumption overcome only convincing evidence. Here, neither nor took issue with findings. 215-218. (b) touchstone analysis cases alleged prosecutorial misconduct is fairness culpability prosecutor. although requiring post-trial bias, deprive fair guaranteed Process Clause Amendment. 218-221. (c) Absent violation right Amendment, it error lower order hold no supervisory authority over judicial intervene wrongs constitutional dimension. P. 221. 632 F.2d 1019, reversed. Robert M. Pitler, City, petitioner. William Kunstler, respondent. Justice REHNQUIST delivered opinion Court. 1 November 1974 state-court two counts one count attempted murder. pursuant 330.30 N.Y.Crim.Proc. Law (McKinney 1971) (CPL),1 CPL 330.40.2 justice concluding People Phillips, 87 Misc.2d 613, 614, 630, 384 N.Y.S.2d 906, 907-908, 918 (1975). First Judicial Department, opinion. 52 A.D.2d 758, 715 (1976). 39 N.Y.2d 949, 352 N.E.2d 894, 386 1039 2 Some four years denial appeal Southern which asserted hearing. writ, 485 F.Supp. 1365 (1980), Second Circuit somewhat different ground. 1019 (1980). We certiorari consider important questions relation raised these decisions. 450 909, 101 1345, 67 332 (1981). now reverse. 3 * A. 4 Respondent's original based fact case, John Dana Smith, major felony Office.3 Smith learned position friend contacts within office inquired Smith's behalf mentioning name When received office, list applicants but then contacted known 5 During later inquiry status mentioned attorney whom disclosed promptly superior, superior turn Assistant Attorney charge hiring investigators. following day, more than week end assistant attorneys jurors applied investigator. 6 conferred concluded that, view statements voir dire,4 there need inform They instruct contact ended, steps insure would learn revealed dire. retired deliberate 20th, three alternate were available substitute knew returned its verdict 21st. 7 first December 4th. Five days later, investigation verify information, existence conclusion set aside 8 judge, Birns, explained decision seen nothing improper submitting "[f]rom all adduced" hearing, Misc.2d, 621, N.Y.S.2d, 912, found "Smith's letter indeed indiscretion" "in way reflected premature [respondent's] guilt, prejudice against [respondent], inability guilt innocence [respondent] evidence." Id., 627, 915. With respect Birns "no evidence" suggesting "a sinister dishonest motive Mr. application." 618-619, 910. B 9 In relief, contended Constitution conduct. biased. F.Supp., 1371. Nonetheless, because "the average man believe directly affect evaluation 1371-1372. Accordingly, 90 days. 10 divided vote. noted "it best difficult perhaps impossible own testimony 'impartial,' " F.2d, 1022. Rather, release simply prosecutors process." Ibid. explained: "To condone withholding prosecutor casting substantial doubt impartiality juror, employment, defendant ill serve maintain public confidence 1023.5 II 11 argument relied primarily reasoning adopted Court.6 He contends cannot possibly ascertain relying Given human propensity self-justification, argues, impute position. disagree. 12 This long remedy allegations partiality opportunity prove actual bias. For example, 654 (1954), criminal approached someone offering money exchange favorable An FBI agent assigned investigate bribe, agent's report reviewed disclosure counsel. incident vacated, "they have mistrial requested question replaced juror" them 229, S.Ct., 451. 13 recognized seriousness characterized "presumptively prejudicial," also undisclosed investigation, "bound impress [was] very apt do so unduly." Despite recognition, "[t]he integrity jeopardized unauthorized invasions," ibid., instructed "determine circumstances, impact thereof [they were] prejudicial, interested parties permitted participate." 230, 451 (emphasis added). other words, precisely accorded 14 Even Remmer, confronted implied Dennis 339 162, 70 519, 94 734 (1950). contempt appear Committee UnAmerican Activities House Representatives. argued him, composed employees Government, inherently biased subject Executive Order 9835, CFR 627 (1943-1948 Comp.), provided discharge grounds belief disloyal Government. risk disloyalty termination might result vote acquittal. rejected claim noting "free show bias" failed so. U.S., 167, 521. thus concluded: "A holding disqualify relationship Government longer permissible. . Preservation guarantee defendant's impartial jury." 171-172, 523. See Frazier 335 497, 69 201, 93 187 (1948); Wood, 299 123, 57 177, 81 (1936). 15 Our last Term Chandler Florida, 449 560, 802, 66 740 (1981), treated Appellants various theft crimes partially televised Canon Ethics promulgated Florida claimed unusual publicity sensational courtroom atmosphere created televising preclude Consistent our previous decisions, we appropriate safeguard media's coverage case—be printed broadcast compromised ability particular heard adjudicate fairly." 575, 810. Because appellants "not [attempt] any specificity presence cameras impaired them," refused conviction. 581, 813. 16 These Were rule, few trials constitutionally acceptable. safeguards impartiality, dire protective instructions infallible; virtually shield theoretically case.7 disregarded doctrine: comporting decisions prosecuted It seems us follow "as night day" if system conducted here sufficient partiality, system.8 17 Of equal importance, action Birns' Sumner Mata, 539, 551, 764, 771, 722 Here Birns. III 18 As already noted, rely Court's imputation Indeed, even reach instead more, violated law. thereby correctly preserved appearance justice." Brief 7. contention, too, runs contrary decided cases. 19 Past Brady Maryland, 373 83, 83 1194, 215 (1963), admission participant corroborated version crime. prosecutor's suppression "violates where material punishment, irrespective good faith bad prosecution." 87, 1196. Applying standard, relevant punishment resentenced. Since however, itself complied requirements despite wrongful suppression.9 aim "is society misdeeds avoidance unfair accused." 20 principle reaffirmed Agurs, 427 97, 96 2392, 49 342 There, unrequested create otherwise exist. Brady, focused disclose, nondisclosure trial: 21 "Nor obligation [to information] measured moral culpability, willfulness, If highly probative file, should presumed recognize significance overlooked it. Conversely, all, purpose served inept incorrectly believed suppressing vital defense. results error, character evidence, prosecutor." 110, 2400 (footnote citation omitted).10 22 light principle, evident erred alone requires demonstrated Part opinion, impair render expressly found. Therefore, Clause. IV 23 A federally issued writ corpus, course, reaches convictions obtained provision Constitution. said Cupp Naughten, 414 141, 146, 396, 400, 38 368 (1973): 24 "Before overturn resulting established merely [State's action] undesirable, erroneous, 'universally condemned,' Amendment." 25 violation, believed, contends, misbehavior "reign unchecked" ordered, act did. 570, 582-583, 807, 813-814; supra, 400. No occurred here. judgment 26 Reversed. 27 O'CONNOR, concurring. I concur write separately express my foreclose use "implied circumstances. 29 Determining prejudged difficult, partly interest concealing unaware problem compounded arises misconduct, attempts third juror. 30 Nevertheless, most instances postconviction will adequate permits probe memory, reasons acting did, understanding consequences actions. observe demeanor cross-examination evaluate answers circumstances 31 am concerned, certain inadequate uncovering biases, leaving serious subjected manifestly unjust procedures miscarriage justice. each facts, extreme situations justify examples include revelation employee agency, close relative participants transaction, witness somehow involved transaction. Whether bias," Sixth allow stand circumstances.* 32 None conclusive heavily relies, party bribe Under those accused stake outcome significant incentive could adequately (1950), find situations. Reed, concurred wrote read mean barred brought court's attention convince suitable case." 172-173, 523-524. 33 used reverse Leonard 378 544, 84 1696, 1028 (1964) (per curiam), prospective announce guilty automatically disqualified sitting second similar charges. 34 retain doctrine preserve rights. foreclosing situations, therefore, concur. 35 MARSHALL, BRENNAN STEVENS join, dissenting. 36 Juror vigorously pursued throughout course service efforts improperly evidentiary determined Thus, ruled prejudiced, subsequently filed petition York, claiming jury. aside, affirmed. majority reverses, protection majority's completely unpersuasive, dissent. 37 lies heart Irvin Dowd, 366 717, 721-722, 1639, 1641-1642, 751 (1961).1 "[O]ur common-law heritage, Constitution, experience applying committed irrevocably well-defined purpose—to provide reliable determination guilt." Estes Texas, 381 532, 565, 85 1628, 1644, 543 (1965) (Warren, C.J., Douglas Goldberg, JJ., joined, concurring). That achieved jury's deliberations tainted prejudice. Fairness reliability assured calm, reasoned presented again, broad variety contexts, strong measures protect insisted defendants given meaningful biased—even specific prior Ham South Carolina, 409 524, 848, 46 (1973), deny Negro racial suggest questioning. required, generalized thorough into necessary. Ristaino Ross, 424 589, 1017, 47 258 selected representative cross-section community. Selection exclude portions population, increase invalid. Peters Kiff, 407 493, 92 2163, (1972), invalidated selection procedure resulted systematic exclusion Negroes.2 Similarly, Taylor Louisiana, 419 522, 95 692, 42 690 (1975), struck down rule excluding women compulsory service.3 And Witherspoon Illinois, 391 510, 88 1770, 776 (1968), capital sentence excluded scruples punishment. 40 drawn community extends members class. challenging blacks white; male. Exclusion impermissible, class prejudiced defendant, deprived perspective unsuspected importance presented." 503-504, 2168-2169 (opinion announcing judgment). 531, 698.4 41 acted possibility extensive pretrial publicity. Rideau 723, 1417, 663 request change venue, entire confess crime police interrogation television. particularized showing confession defendant. Later, (1961), reversed widespread inflammatory preceded though remain impartial. stated protected Although absolute ban news print media justified, weigh fairly. 810, (1981); see Nebraska Press Assn. Stuart, 563-565, 2791, 2804-06, 683 (1976); supra. 43 guarded impartiality. communication matter pending "is, obvious reasons, deemed prejudicial." conclusive, burden rests establish, notice harmless defendant." Turner 379 466, 546, (jury try custody deputy sheriffs principal prosecution witnesses, influenced association). 44 To summarize, required biased; regarded absence balanced perspective, cognizable form prejudice; always strongly initiated prejudicial. conflict interest, inevitably distort holds simple assertion, verdict, sufficiently protects utterly inconsistent historical recognition "most priceless" right. Irvin, 721, 1641. 45 concedes claims, here, postverdict According majority, apparently insist proof employed attorney. relies premise provides assurance premise, ignores basic psychology. one, can never suggestions contrary, passive, indifferent applicant.5 began pursuing Office September 23, 1974, day sworn in. asked friend, Criminal Officer Rudolph Fontaine, proper method employment. Once completed gave Fontaine hand delivery assumed officer personal office. addition, filed, met regularly Jury Warden Mario Piazza progress On 21, ended. next phoned check unable get touch anyone former supervisor make inquiries behalf. actively pursues probability substantial. conscious, part calculated effort obtain job. viewed favorably guilty. regardless attempt persuade acquittal justified. There danger unconscious Only individuals extraordinary affected future Subconsciously, tend favor feels affinity potential employer. sincere impartial, yet 48 Not high, unlikely reveal stated, "to 'impartial.' 1022 (CA2 1980). Certainly, admit consciously plotted sanctions.6 damaged prospects career enforcement. enforcement agency hire whose credibility impeached oath affirmative unconscious, honestly believes remained amount questioning lead admission. vehemently accusations bias.7 50 past, poses problems proof. "Bias elusive condition mind impossible, existence, exist (on account relations parties) quite positive perfectly able wholly uninfluenced anything Crawford 212 183, 196, 260, 265, 53 465 (1909). 51 728, 1645 says "psychological declaration one's fellows often father." stated: "It nature practices challenged harm, lack adduce." 504, 2169 (MARSHALL, J., joined Stewart, JJ.). adduced offer little exist, Specifically, prosecutor, suggestive "implied," disqualified, secure aside.8 too important, threat great, rigid insistence requirement blinks reality. Adoption limited precedent; presumptions ancient roots. English common law, implied.9 Blackstone states shown: 54 "that [he] kin ninth degree; arbitrator side; cause; between party; taken verdict; formerly party's master, servant, counsellor, steward, attorney, corporation him." W. Blackstone, Commentaries 480-481 (W. Hammond ed. 1890). 55 Bracton "suspects twelve remove just cause deadly enmities indicted man, greedy desire land .; suspicion removed, proceed free doubts." S. Thorne, Laws Customs England 405 (1968). 56 employ rules Most jurisdictions statutes forth jurors, regard person frequently persons related prosecution, counsel, witness, defendant.10 statute, intention apply come dire, especially broad; disqualifies likely rendering 270.20(1)(c) 1971). provision, added statute 1971, calls "average person" standard See, e.g., Provenzano, 420, 424, 429 562, 563, 408, 410 (1980).11 challenges case-by-case basis.12 fact, least Haak State, Ind., 417 321 Indiana woman husband offered staff she rape "avoided dissolved admonitions assertion impartially." unrealistic "expect situation toward both parties." refusing grant mistrial.13 Tableporter Urist, 157 Misc. 347, 283 N.Y.S. 350 (Mun.Ct.1935) (conviction son job). 58 many necessarily imply mandated.14 practice does, support conclusion. adopt expense efficiently procuring safeguarding jury, seriously threatened. C 59 implied-bias appropriate, remedy, (1954). tried income tax evasion. unnamed reported Bureau Investigation (FBI) investigation. interviewing bribery jest," 228, 451, impact. take action. complaining deliberations. private harmless. remanded directions harmful, so, 60 establishes claims nearly broad, however. purport address implied. examination facts reveals much less one. unsuccessful themselves misconduct. jest" FBI, reluctant disturbed upset party, himself improperly. 61 (1950); (1936).15 cases, indicated party.16 persuaded "vague conjectures" government "peculiarly vulnerable" "miasma fear," "so intimidated cringe fear loss duty jurors." Dennis, 172, However, appropriate. stressed judges power interests real surely includes per se 168, 521; Frazier, 511, 209; 150, 187.17 62 curiam ), explicitly endorsed rule.18 petitioner separate forging checks transporting forged instruments interstate commerce. succession. announced open panel selected. Petitioner objected, objection overruled. reversed, sat individual immediately individual's disqualified.19 63 short, establish automatic disqualification presenting unusually high similarly D 64 emphasizes exercising jurisdiction ordinarily defer fact. points 2254(d), factfinding correct. review proceedings. think clear, deference 65 explained, possible determine, unreliable. Section 2254(d) recognizes applicant receive full, fair, proceeding," "he law." §§ 2254(d)(6), (7). adequate. Furthermore, bar decision. affirm alternative Attorney. timely fashion, almost certainly selected, ending clearly improper. caught up preparations final stages explanation convincing. another Bethel, arrested narcotics agreed cooperate dismissal disclosure, camera consented replacement alternates. concerning Bethel suggests conduct, pressures, valuable.20 soon inexcusable. 68 argues itself, reversal proceedings.21 112, 2400-2401, (1976), 92, 1196, 1199, actions.22 fails clear disclosed, protected. agreement reached Bethel. exercised N.Y.Crim.Proc.Law 270.35 1971), "[i]f rendition satisfied, unknown grossly unqualified ., engaged may, service, replaced."23 Both remedies eliminated least, suggested, doubts reliable. far pressures obey evaluating hand, Just finds replace alternate. found, begin Any hesitate taking particularly great 1972. declared. later. lasted nine weeks, witnesses called testify. led delay, 72 excused made, eliminated. prejudice, fundamental 73 obstacle 238-239. Where alternative, cannot, consistent process, relegate belated, adopts efficacy accord valuable rights possessed defendants. applies job, prejudicing depriving unbiased 75 "capable Ante, 217. All step informing replaced, intentionally participated really full evidence"—then denied. pertinent part: "At sentence, modify grounds: "2. occurred, out ." 330.40 motions allege disputed motion. proving preponderance essential motion." 330.40(g). addressed "I understand funded investigative unit formed your felonies. wish investigator." mention Appended resume containing biographical Smith. 616, 909 described "ten meticulous examination." 907. intended pursue drug agency. wife enforcement, arose assaulted injured. previously worked store detective Bloomingdale's Department Store, capacity, several arrests Office. response declared satisfied seat among unused peremptory challenges. reading actions treat unfairly impugn prejudiced. 1023 misread Agurs. defend below record permit, expand granted. Telephone Co., 434 159, 166, n. 8, 364, 369, 376 (1977); Dandridge Williams, 397 471, 475, 6, 1153, 1156, 491 (1970); Ryerson 312 405, 656, 658, 917 (1941). notes Remmer-type hearings question, errs contending suspect. "[o]ne know altogether imponderables what thinks, trying honest live sanctity well qualified say matter." 171, Reid, How. 361, 366, (1852). connection prevented availing correcting N.Y. proves much. rendered necessary reliance testimony, reason why possible. 106, 2398: [T]he Brady's latter former. since lacking egregious knowing perjured Giglio 154, 763, 766, 104 (1972); Napue 360 264, 272, 79 1173, 1178, 1217 (1959). materiality implicitly misconduct's blameworthiness crucial purposes. note, undertaken faith. "there degree member staff, officer, gain advantage exceptional doctrine, deterred proceeding merits factual issue, competent evidenced written finding, indicia, shall correct, "(2) afford hearing; "(6) proceeding; "(7) proceeding. involving definition uncover conclusively presumes. "In essence, guarantees criminally 'indifferent' jurors. violates minimal standards re Oliver, 333 257, 499, 682; Tumey Ohio, 273 437, 749. 'A tribunal process.' Murchison, 349 133, 136, 623, 625, 99 942. ultimate analysis, strip liberty life. language Lord Coke, 'indifferent stands unsworne.' Co. Litt. 155b. His developed Cf. Thompson City Louisville, 362 199, 80 624, true, heinousness charged, apparent offender station life occupies." 722, 1642. unacceptable prove. "decide side suffer unavoidable uncertainty." resolved Ballard 329 187, 261, 91 181 (1946). 'a flavor, distinct quality lost sex excluded,' 'exclusion true economic group excluded.' 698 (quoting 194, 264). chose challenge career. 212-213, 4. unfavorable general conscious Penal 195.05 (obstructing governmental administration); 215.20 (bribe receiving juror); (misconduct juror) 1975). contempt. 215.20. demeanor. petitioner, denies measure integrity, credit fairly weighed assistance value falsely concurring agrees suggests, justified agency." 222. view, draw distinction greater anxious please. (1936), regarding follows: "Challenges array, is, constitution panel, polls, Challenges polls 'principal' 'to favor,' disqualification, bias." 134-135, 179-180. Cal.Penal Code Ann. 1074 (West Supp.1981); Idaho 19-2020 (1979); Minn.Rule Crim.Proc. 26.02(5); 270.20(1) 1971); N.D.Cent.Code 29-17-36 (Supp.1981); Okla.Stat., Tit. 660 (1971); Ore.Rev.Stat. 136.220 S.D. Comp.Laws 23A-20-13 Utah 77-35-18(e) likely, point, came West, W.Va. 209, 210, 200 S.E.2d 859, 861 (1973) (reversible agency); Kokoszka, 123 Conn. 161, 163, 193 211 (1937); Howard, N.H. 171 (1845), overruled grounds, Shulinsky Boston & 86, 89, 139 189, 191 (1927). Block 100 Ind. 357 (1885) (juror disqualified); Barnes 263 320, 330 743 (1975) disqualified). endorse constitutionalization wide rules. above, mandated Measured required. further upheld constitutionality Columbia juries party. serving General Secretary Communist Party, U.S.A. uphold consisted entirely employees. opinions interpreted remedy. 523 ("[p]reservation jury"); 208 (in ordinary "actual bias"); Wood (courts appropriate). including subjective sense thought arise 'in activity matters otherwise.' 510-511, 19, 208, 133-134, 179). 440, 444, 749 (1927) (judge financial "possible temptation balance nice, accused"); 942 (1955) grand charges reasonably questioned); (1972) JJ.) (possibility Negroes invalidation procedures); note litigant while how protested Tumey, supra; number suggested McCoy Goldston, 652 (CA6 1981) (bias conceals cause); Allsup, 566 68, 71-72 (CA9 1977) (new robbery bank robbed); Deschenes 224 688 (CA10 1955) (dictum) trial); Cavness 719 (CA5 1951) (same). Kyle, 152 U.S.App.D.C. 145, 469 547, 551 (Bazelon, dissenting) (defendant castigated him); ("[a] Procrustean demand ill-suited offers exist"), cert. 1117, 920, 700 (1973). But Brown, 644 101, 104-105 (court refuses 'create unreasonably constricting occupational special relationships bear indirectly prejudice' ") Mikus 433 719, 724 1970)). Almost ago, Burr, Fed.Cas. 49, (No. 14,692g) (CC Va.1807), Chief Marshall "may declare case; cautiously incapacitates supposes feel prejudice." condemned attorneys' judgment," 628, 916 "unique misjudgment," id., 631, 918. 1365, 1369-1370 (S.D.N.Y.1980); courts, result, focus violations. Donnelly DeChristoforo, 416 637, 642, 1868, 1871, 431 (1974). Depending easily satisfied. knowingly presents likelihood false 103-104, 2397-2398. presentation corruption truth-seeking function 104, 2398. comply material, rarely excused. faces made. circumstance, creates 2401. analogized testimony. forms 105, 2398; 20, context also, omission 2397-2398; clearly,

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