Document: 399 U.S. 510 90 S.Ct. 1960 26 L.Ed.2d 764 Rector SIMMONS, Jr., et ux., Appellants,v.WEST HAVEN HOUSING AUTHORITY. No. 81. Argued Dec. 8, 1969. Decided June 29, 1970. Rehearing Denied Oct. 12, See 91 23. Francis X. Dineen, New Haven, Conn., for appellants. F. Michael Ahern, Hartford, the State of Connecticut, as amicus curiae, in support judgment. PER CURIAM. 1 We noted probable jurisdiction this case to decide whether § 52—542 Connecticut General Statutes1 requiring a bond protection his landlord from tenant who wished appeal judgment summary eviction proceeding, offends either Due Process or Equal Protection Clause Fourteenth Amendment if applied foreclose appellate review those too poor post bond, 394 957, 89 1311, 22 558 (1969). 2 Because an ambiguity record concerning underlying reason these appellants were denied opportunity trial court's ordering that they be evicted, we now conclude should dismissed, DeBacker v. Brainard, 396 28, 163, 24 148 (1969); Rescue Army Municipal Court, 331 549, 67 1409, L.Ed. 1666 (1947). 3 After unsuccessfully litigating court proceeding begun by their landlords, moved waiver requirement so might appeal. The court, apparently view it had power waive statutory appropriate case, appellants' motion on finding 'this is being taken purpose delay.' App. Appellants sought denial Circuit and dismissed It unclear opinion, however, thought left no room waiver,2 instead based its refusal hear part finding—cited Court's opinion3 before was only delay. 5 Conn.Cir. 282, 250 A.2d 527 (1968). Appellants' petition Supreme Court certify declined. 4 In circumstances, deem inappropriate constitutional issue tendered Dismissed. 6 Mr. Justice BLACKMUN took consideration decision case. 7 DOUGLAS, dissenting. 8 This procedure brought landlord1 obtain possession tenants nonpayment rent. found appealed. 9 law requires one taking such action with surety. showed financially unable claimed require surety would under circumstances equal protection. refused saying 'the 10 affirmed. Appellate Division ordered termination stay execution. 527. certification. 11 I reverse A rich tenant, whatever motives appeal, review. These tenants, because poverty, none. can imagine clear violation unless Griffin Illinois, 351 76 585, 100 891. Whether criminal civil, wealth, like race, suspect criterion classification have rights do not. Harper Virginia Bd. Elections, 383 663, 86 1079, 16 169; Lee Habib, 137 U.S.App.D.C. 403, 424 F.2d 891.2 12 What merits tenants' may not us say. But raised questions easily answered. terms lease stated could terminated less than 30 days' notice, while more five notice given. housing authority federally assisted has right 42 U.S.C. 1404a (1964 ed., Supp. V), 'to maintain recover any accommodations operated where authorized statute regulations which are administered.' There word appellee's argument indicates federal permit notice. 13 been argued 'cheap skates' seeking get something nothing. That simply true, shows: 14 'Mrs. Faulkner: Your Honor, urge upon you grant our defendants deposit rent will hurt further delay proceedings. He protected monthly deposited. If he successful able 15 'The Court: Do suggest, conclusion, clerk execution failure pay? Yes. 17 other words, willing stipulate behalf your clients paid would, empowered forthwith execution? 18 Yes, Honor. 19 all right? 20 'Mr. Philbin: Frankly doesn't. During period time, take considerable even pays fund into clerk's office, available plaintiff still practical matter losing rents during time. Eventually prevail money extended time.' 19—20. 21 represents tis English Act 1737, Geo. 2, c. 19; respect, decisions below reflect 18th century lawyer's approach task protecting landed interest. Every course entails delay; sense appeals antithetical spirit eviction. live today different regime. Unlike courts longer closed poor. Eviction laws emphasize speed benefit landlords. often necessitates well affluent heard. disagree squarely presented case.3 At time provided: 'Bond appeal; When defendant process, shall give sufficient adverse party, answer accrue or, existed, reasonable value use occupancy, pendency due at final disposal; stayed days date rendered, but Sunday legal holiday intervening excluded computing days. No except within said period, until determination cause, appears judge tried stayed, hereinbefore provided, then issue, otherwise provided sections 52—543 52—548, inclusive.' version repealed revision substituted effective October 1, 1969, see Conn.Pub.Acts 296 opinion states place '(a) essential valid appeal.' 285, 527, 529 also '(w)ant surety, prerequisite review, furnishes ground dismissal Id., 288, A.2d, 531. oral here, appearing contended could, waived. did expressly pass settled decision. subsequent circuit suggests absolute necessary condition consider contention made Housing Authority Jones, 350, 252 465 Moreover, effect 1969 amendment 52—542, n. supra. another place: 'On January 19, 1968, held special hearing defendants' application security since May 1967, nor offered pay due; contained 'dilatory tactics, (was) loaded defenses interposed obstruct process action'; 'appeal Accordingly, Conn.Cir., 284, 529. same later granting landlord's order terminating order, affirmed findings saying: 'We entire file briefs comprise some 140 typewritten pages. Upon whole matter, satisfied (the judge) justified concluding, when 'that delay." 290, 532. Appellee operates low-rent project Title V 1959, 73 Stat. 679, 1401 seq., ed. V) Conn.Gen.Stat.Rev. 8—38 seq. Judge J. Skelly Wright, speaking Appeals said: limits state's duty affirmatively equalize defendant's ability participate meaningfully judicial sketched out cases. picture far complete, recent cases dealing costs divorce transcripts proceedings involving parental rights, coupled expansive readings given forma pauperis statutes, suggest trend seems toward more, less, affirmative action. Thus, most extending involved proceedings, mandate there invidious discrimination between indigent litigants recognized civil well. clause applies both cases; Constitution protects life, liberty property. importance individual, technical distinction criminal, deciding what procedures constitutionally required each Often litigant stake case.' 412—413, F.2d, 900. On 'sufficient setting read it, meant description normal manner effecting And insistence lack economic make themselves heard law' refers fact ably represented attorneys Haven Legal Assistance Association, Inc., factor emphasizing indigency. Not opinions

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