Document: 407 U.S. 225 92 S.Ct. 2151 32 L.Ed.2d 705 Robert MITCHUM, dba The Book Mart, Appellant,v.Clinton E. FOSTER, Prosecuting Attorney of Bay County, Florida, et al. No. 70—27. Argued Dec. 13, 1971. Decided June 19, 1972. Syllabus Title 42 U.S.C. § 1983, which authorizes a suit in equity to redress the deprivation under color state law 'of any rights, privileges, or immunities secured by Constitution . .,' is within that exception federal anti-injunction statute, 28 2283, provides court may not enjoin proceedings 'except as expressly authorized Act Congress.' And this 1983 action, though principles equity, comity, and federalism must restrain when asked proceeding (cf. Younger v. Harris, 401 37, 91 746, 27 669, companion cases) are questioned, District Court held have erred holding statute absolutely barred its enjoining pending circumstances whatsoever. Pp. 228—243. 315 F.Supp. 1387, reversed remanded. Eugene Smith, Atlanta, Ga., for appellant. Raymond L. Marky, Tallahassee, Fla., appellees. Mr. Justice STEWART delivered opinion Court. 1 'may grant an injunction stay State except Congress, where necessary aid jurisdiction, protect effectuate judgments.'1 An 'suit equity' 'the deprivation,' law, .'2 question before us whether 'Act Congress' comes 'expressly authorized' so permit court. This question, has divided courts,3 lurked background many our recent cases, but we until today explicitly decided it.4 2 * prosecuting attorney brought Florida close down appellant's bookstore public nuisance claimed authority law. entered preliminary order prohibiting continued operation bookstore. After further inconclusive courts, appellant filed complaint United States Northern alleging actions judicial enforcement officials were depriving him rights protected First Fourteenth Amendments. Relying upon 1983.5 he injunctive declaratory relief against proceedings, on ground laws being unconstitutionally applied cause great irreparable harm. A single district judge issued temporary restraining orders, three-judge was convened pursuant §§ 2281 2284. hearing, dissolved orders refused proceeding, 'injunctive sought here courts does come exceptions set forth Section 2283. It it court's jurisdiction judgment court.' 1389. appeal directly 1253,6 noted probable jurisdiction. 402 941, 1612, 29 109. II 3 In denying relief, relied Court's decision Atlantic Coast Line R. Co. Brotherhood Locomotive Engineers, 398 281, 90 1739, 26 234. case did deal with statute,7 bring into sharp focus critical importance now us. For rejected view merely states flexible doctrine comity,8 made clear imposes absolute ban issuance absence one recognized exceptions: 4 'On face present prohibition unless falls three specifically defined exceptions. respondents intimated only establishes 'principle comity,' binding rule power courts. argument implies certain even if action cannot be justified We accept such contention. (We) hold otherwise proper general equitable based specific statutory 2283 upheld. ..' U.S., at 286—287, S.Ct., 1744. 5 follows, context, then wholly without seeking proceeding. short, exception, prohibits all intervention civil criminal, regardless how extraordinary particular be. 6 Last Term, cases,9 dealt length subject criminal prosecutions. had enjoined prosecution California asking reverse judgment, argued violation statute. 40, 748. But carefully eschewed reliance reversing basing instead what called 'Our Federalism'—upon national policy forbidding special circumstances.' 41, 44, 749, 750. 7 Younger, emphatically reaffirmed fundamental interference prosecutions.' 46, 751. possible unconstitutionality 'on face' itself justify good-faith attempts enforce it.' 54, 755. At same time, however, clearly left room exceptional circumstances—where injury 'both immediate,' 751, "flagrantly patently violative express constitutional prohibitions," 53, 755, there showing 'bad faith, harassment, other unusual would call relief.' Perez Ledesma, 82, 674, 701, said '(o)nly cases proven harassment prosecutions undertaken bad faith hope obtaining valid conviction perhaps can shown appropriate.' 85, 677. See also Dyson Stein, 200, 203, 769, 771, 781. 8 While disavowed deciding us—whether 755—it evident decisions those disregarded question. first place, argued, been no occasion whatever decide 'policy' Federalism.' Secondly, overrule insofar they permissibility limited circumstances. For, Line, would, case, 'absolute prohibition' proceeding—under whatever. 9 thus serve delineate both finality shadow decided. III 10 goes back almost beginnings history Nation. 1793, Congress enacted providing 'writ granted (by court) state. March 2, Stat. 335. precise origins legislation shrouded obscurity,10 consistent understanding basic purpose prevent 'needless friction between courts.' Oklahoma Packing Gas & Elec. Co., 309 4, 9, 60 215, 218, 84 L.Ed. 447. remained unchanged 1874, amended interfered administration bankruptcy proceeding.11 wording adopted enactment Code 1948. 11 Despite seemingly uncompromising language prior 1948, soon blanket import Acts given their intended scope. So that, addition through years found empowered despite carrying out will least six laws. These covered broad spectrum congressional action: (1) removal litigation from courts,12 (2) regislation limiting liability ship-owners,13 (3) interpleader actions,14 (4) conferring over farm mortgages,15 (5) governing habeas corpus proceedings,16 (6) control prices.17 12 embodied these various 'implied' One 'in rem' allowing res acquired jurisdiction.18 Another 'relitigation' permitting relitigation issues already litigation.19 Still third more recently developed permits plaintiff itself, agency asserting 'superior interests.'20 13 Toucey New York Life Ins. 314 118, 62 139, 86 100, 1941 casting considerable doubt approach reflected previous decisions. emphasized generally recognizing statute's directive 'hands off' use 132, 143. response 1948 form which, Reviser's Note makes evident, served Toucey,21 restore understood interpreted decision.'22 14 proceed, then, determining criteria Toucey.23 review reasonably relevant are. qualify need contain reference As said, 'no prescribed formula required; authorization refer 2283.' Amalgamated Clothing Workers America Richman Bros. 348 511, 516, 75 452, 455, 99 600. Indeed, none previously contains reference.24 authorize exception. Three authorization.25 Thirdly, created uniquely right remedy, enforceable could frustrated say must, every provisions, totally incompatible statute.26 test, rather, creating remedy scope Toucey, supra, 132—134, 143—144; Kline Burke Construction 260 226, 43 79, 67 226; Providence N.Y.S.S. Hill Mfg. 109 578, 599 379, 392, 1038; Treinies Sunshine Mining 308 66, 78, 50, 85; Kalb Feuerstein, 433, 343, 370; Bowles Willingham, 321 503, 64 641, 88 892. 15 With view, turn consideration 1983. IV 16 originally Civil Rights 1871. 17 13. 'modeled' 1866, 27,27 'enforc(ing) Provisions Amendment.' predecessor important part alteration system wrought Reconstruction era amendment.28 result new structure emerged post-Civil War era—and especially Amendment, centerpiece role Federal Government guarantor established. Monroe Pape, 365 167, 81 473, 492; McNeese Board Education, 373 668, 83 1433, 622; Shelley Kraemer, 334 1, 68 836, 1161; Zwickler Koota, 389 241, 245—249, 391, 393—396, 19 444; H. Flack, Adoption Amendment (1908); J. tenBroek, Anti-Slavery Origins (1951).29 opened private citizens, offering incursions Nation.30 legislative debates surrounding passage 1983's provisions 'against executive, legislative, judicial.' Ex parte Virginia, 100 339, 346, 25 676 (emphasis supplied). Proponents used harass injure individuals, either because powerless stop deprivations league who bent abrogation federally rights. 18 Representative Lowe stated, 'records (state) tribunals searched vain evidence effective (of rights) .. What less than (the 1871) afford adequate remedy? writ mandamus Executives compel them privileges citizens arisen resort own agencies carry execution. Hence bill throws open doors whose denied impaired.' Cong.Globe, 42d Cong., 1st Sess., 374—376 (1871). echoed Senator Osborn: 'If themselves competent suppress local disorders, maintain order, should legislate driven existing facts provide several South unable fully themselves; i.e., full complete justice Id., 653. Perry concluded: 'Sheriffs, having eyes see, see not; judges, ears hear, hear witnesses conceal truth falsify it; grand petit juries act might accomplices (A)ll apparatus machinery government, processes justice, skulk away government crimes feared detection. Among most dangerous things injured party do justice.' App. 78.31 Those opposed 1871 proponents extending attempt courts' failure secure debate about extended innovation desirable.32 20 conceived altering relationship Nation respect protection rights; concerned instrumentalities realized officers might, fact, antipathetic vindication believed failings V 21 product vast transformation concepts prevailed late 18th century enacted. very interpose people, guardians people's people unconstitutional 'whether 676. purpose, plainly issue injunctions actions, authorizing means redress. long ago some essential great, immediate, loss person's Young, 209 123, 441, 52 714; cf. Truax Raich, 239 33, 36 7, 131; Dombrowski Pfister, 380 479, 85 1116, 22. reasons conclude established construing 22 concluding, way principles, context prosecutions, canvassed last Term 669; cases. They times past. Fenner Boykin, 271 240, 46 492, 70 927; Spielman Motor Sales Dodge, 295 89, 55 678, 79 1322; Beal Missouri Pac. 312 45, 61 418, L.Ed 577; Watson Buck, 313 387, 962, 1416; Williams Miller, 317 599, 63 258, 87 489; Douglas City Jeannette, 319 157, 877, 1324; Stefanelli Minard, 342 117, 72 96 138; Cameron Johnson, 390 611, 1335, 182. Today error 23 remanded opinion. ordered. 24 Reversed POWELL REHNQUIST took case. Chief BURGER, whom WHITE BLACKMUN join, concurring. I concur add few words emphasize read holds bar suits, apply proceedings. But, noted, nothing 'question proceeding.' Ante, 243. 669 (1971), allow properly narrow class yet reached exactly restraint imposed Therefore, remand seems me Court, reaching merits claim, consider notions federalism, similar invoked 'nuisance abatement' full: 'Every person who, ordinance, regulation, custom, usage, Territory, subjects, causes subjected, citizen thereof laws, shall liable redress.' Compare Cooper Hutchinson, 184 F.2d 119 (CA3) (§ exception), Baines Danville, 337 579 (CA4) exception). 484 n. 1119, 22; 613 3, 1336, 182; 669. Lunch Household Finance Corp., 405 538, 556, 1113, 1124, 31 424; Roudebush Hartke, 15, 804, 1. member position He expressed included 62, 763. Cf. id., 701 (Stewart, J., joined Harlan, concurring); 120 14, 694, (separate Brennan, White Marshall, JJ.). 1343(3). part: 'The original commenced person: '(3) To deprivation, custom right, privilege immunity equal persons .' provides: 'Except provided Supreme granting denying, after notice interlocutory permanent required heard determined judges.' two statute: 'where judgments.' 288, 1744, National Bank Trust Racine Village Skokie, Cir., 173 1; Baines, F.2d, 593. Taylor Willis, Power Enjoin Proceedings Courts, Yale L.J. 1169, 1194 (1933). Samuels Mackell, 764, 688; Boyle Landry, 77, 758, 696; 701; 781; Byrne Karalexis, 216, 777, 792. provision Judiciary 1793 known. know December 31, 1790, General Edmund Randolph reported House Representatives desirable changes 1789. Am.State Papers, Misc., vol. 17, pp. 21—36. serious raised arduousness circuit duties justices. Report suggested number amendments dealing procedural matters. section proposed submitted p. 26. explained clause 'will debar interfering judgments courts; defendant rely far ought continue begun. enough split another adding separation, throwing common side 34. considered sitting Committee Whole, referred successive committees consideration. No taken Jay his associates wrote President circuit-riding too burdensome. American 32, 51. complaint, transmitted passed, containing 5, inter alia, staying 'Charles Warren article Interference, Harv.L.Rev. 345, 347, suggests direct consequence Randolph's report. doubtful, proposal, namely, interfere rendered Courts 1171, 14. 'There record Annals (1791—93). strong feeling unwarranted intrusion sovereignty. Chisholm Georgia, Dall. 419, 440, February 18, weeks significance proximity doubtful. Warren, 347—348 Gunter 200 273, 291, 292, 252, 259, 50 477. Much suggestion prevailing prejudices Journal William Maclay (1927 ed.), chronicling Senate while members (1789—1791), abundant widespread hostility chancery practice. especially, 92—94, 101—06 (debate became 1789). Moreover, Ellsworth (soon become States), principal draftsman 1789 Acts, often indicated dislike Brown, Oliver (1905 ed.) 194; 103—04; Light History 1789, 37 49, 96—100.' 130—132, 100. Note, 38 U.Chi.L.Rev. 612 (1971); 1A Moore, Practice 2302 (1965); Hart Wechsler, System 1075—1078 (1953); Durfee Sloss, Injunction Against Courts: Statute, 30 Mich.L.Rev. 1145 (1932). amended, relating bankruptcy.' Rev.Stat. 720 (1874). French Hay, Wall. 250, 857; 226. 1441—1450, once copy petition clerk court, 'State proceed remanded.' 1446(e). 1038. 1851, 635, shipowner deposited amount value interest ship, 'all claims owner matter cease.' 185. 85. Interpleader 1926, 44 416, currently written 'any enter (all claimants) instituting affecting property, instrument obligation involved action.' 2361. 370. Frazier-Lemke Farm-Mortgage Act, 1935, 49 944, situations applicable 'stay official 203(s)(2) (1940 ed.). Royall, 117 248—249, 734, 738—739, 868. Habeas Corpus detained 2251. 205(a) Emergency Price Control 1942, 56 Administrator request acts violated threatened violate Act. Porter Dicken, 328 66 1094, 1203, 255, S.T., 1096. congressionally Ibid.; expired 1947. July 25, 1946, 664. See, e.g., 135—136, 144—145; Freeman Howe, How. 450, 749; 137—141, 145—148; Dial Reynolds, 340, 644; Tribe Ben-Hur Cauble, 255 356, 41 338, 65 673. 2302—2311 (1965). Leiter Minerals Inc. States, 352 220, 77 287, 267; NLRB Nash-Finch 404 138, 373, 328. include 'to judgments,' lack controversies adjudicated (See Insurance vigorous dissenting (62 148 (314 141)) notes time 1911 revision Judicial Code, unquestioned revisers code change change.)' H.R.Rep. 308, 80th A181—182 (1947). Ibid. 521, 458, 600 (dissenting opinion). nn. 12, 16, supra. nonetheless Walling Black Diamond Coal 59 348, 351 (WD Ky.) Fair Labor Standards Act); Okin SEC, 161 978, 980 (CA2) Public Utility Holding Dilworth Riner, 343 230 (CA5) 1964 Studebaker Corp. Gittlin, 360 692 Securities Exchange Act). (CA4). remarks Shellabarger, chairman Select drafted 1871, (1871), Lynch 545 1118, 424. proposing Thirteenth, Fourteenth, Fifteenth Amendments, 1866 1875 following legisltion: April 27; May 1870, 140; 20, 13; 1875, passed federal-question provision, giving suits arising Art. III, Constitution. 470. 1331. Gressman, Unhappy Legislation, 1323 (1952); 1007 (1966); F. Frankfurter Landis, Business (1928). commentator put it: 'That plan it) supply vindicating property) government. constitute protector TenBroek, Price, 383 787, 801 1152, 1160, K. Stampp, Era 1965). Shellabarger 'not former condition slaves, where, deprived entitled reason virtue citizenship.' Hoar stated: danger menaces to-day effort deprive numbers endeavoring them.' Although, Constitution, Revised Statutes 1874 enlarged well. 1979. Coburn above mere influence county judges independence, terror, can; sympathies nearly identified vicinage; jurors State, neighborhood; able rise passions terror easily. 460 (Rep. Bingham); Stoughton); 333—334 Hoar); Elliot); 394 Rainey); 429 Beatty); 68—69 Shellabarger); 78 Perry); 345 (Sen. Sherman); 505 Pratt); 577 Carpenter); 651 Sumner); 653 Osborn); Wilson). 697 Edmunds). 361 Swann); 385 Lewis); 416 Biggs); McHenry); 179 Voorhees); 599—600 Saulsbury); 216 Thurman).

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