Document: 477 U.S. 79 106 S.Ct. 2411 91 L.Ed.2d 67 Dynel McMILLAN, Lorna Peterson, James J. Dennison and Harold L. Smalls, Petitionersv.PENNSYLVANIA. No. 85-215. Argued March 4, 1986. Decided June 19, Syllabus Pennsylvania's Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Act (Act) provides that anyone convicted of certain enumerated felonies is subject to a mandatory minimum sentence five years' imprisonment if the sentencing judge—upon considering evidence introduced at trial any additional offered by either defendant or Commonwealth hearing finds, preponderance evidence, "visibly possessed firearm" during commission offense. The Act, which also visible possession shall not be an element crime, operates divest judge discretion impose less than years for underlying felony, but does authorize in excess otherwise allowed Each petitioners was one Act's felonies, each case gave notice it would seek proceed under Act. However, judges found unconstitutional imposed lesser required Pennsylvania Supreme Court consolidated Commonwealth's appeals, vacated petitioners' sentences, remanded pursuant court held consistent with due process, rejecting principal argument firearm crimes they were sentenced thus must proved beyond reasonable doubt In re Winship, 397 358, 90 1068, 25 368, Mullaney v. Wilbur, 421 684, 95 1881, 44 508. Held: 1. A State may properly treat as consideration rather particular offense doubt. This controlled Patterson New York, 432 197, 97 2319, 53 281, rejected claim whenever links "severity punishment" "presence absence identified fact" prove fact While there are constitutional limits States go this regard, applicability reasonable-doubt standard usually dependent on how defines charged given case. Here, Legislature has made factor comes into play only after been guilty doubt, State's power exceeded raises neither alters maximum nor creates separate calling penalty. Specht Patterson, 386 605, 87 1209, 18 326, distinguished. Pp. 84-91. 2. There no merit contention even though offense, process nonetheless requires least clear convincing evidence. satisfies process. courts have traditionally heard facts without prescribed burden proof all. Nothing scheme warrants constitutionalizing burdens sentencing. 91-93. 3. Nor denies them their Sixth Amendment right jury. jury sentencing, where turns specific findings fact. P. 93. 508 Pa. 25, 494 A.2d 354, affirmed. REHNQUIST, J., delivered opinion Court, BURGER, C.J., WHITE, POWELL, O'CONNOR, JJ., joined. MARSHALL, filed dissenting opinion, BRENNAN BLACKMUN, STEVENS, post, p. 95. Leonard N. Sosnov, Philadelphia, Pa., petitioners. Steven Cooperstein, respondent. Justice REHNQUIST Court. 1 We granted certiorari consider constitutionality, Due Process Clause Fourteenth guarantee Amendment, 42 Pa.Const.Stat. § 9712 (1982) (the Act). 2 * adopted 1982. It person At hearing, directed Commonwealth. 9712(b).1 felony; 3 petitioner of, among other things, 9712's felonies. Petitioner McMillan, who shot his victim buttock over debt, aggravated assault. Peterson killed her husband and, following bench trial, voluntary manslaughter. seriously wounded acquaintance assault trial. Smalls robbed seafood store gunpoint; he robbery. No held, however, because before whom appeared unconstitutional; Act.2 4 appealed all four cases Pennsylvania. That appeals unanimously concluded Wright, 354 (1985). Petitioners' being 368 (1970), (1975). After observing legislature had expressly provided "shall crime," 9712(b), " 'has always state offense' question, 34, A.2d, 359, quoting 211, n. 12, 2327, 281 (1977), effectively new set upgraded "element." Section 9712, increase such felony authorizes sentence; merely years, more might imposed. And Mullaney, "creates presumption essential places defendant"; "in way relieve[s] prosecution its proving guilt." 35, 359. 5 Petitioners contended well, holding approach out Addington Texas, 441 418, 99 1804, 60 323 (1979). interest deterring illegal use firearms insure punishment those commit guns compelling defendant's countervailing liberty interest, substantially diminished verdict. Moreover, risk error context proceeding comparatively slight—visible simple, straightforward issue susceptible objective proof. On balance, concluded, share equally error. sentences One justice concurred opinion. 6 certiorari, 474 815, 58, 88 47 (1985), now affirm. II 7 argue interpreted Winship wants punish undertake disagree. "the protects accused against conviction except upon every necessary constitute crime charged." U.S., 364, S.Ct., 1073. we "requires heat passion sudden provocation when presented homicide case." 704, 1892. But presence 214, 2329; see id., 207, 2325 (State need "prove fact, existence nonexistence willing recognize exculpatory mitigating circumstance affecting degree culpability severity punishment"). particular, upheld challenge York's law placing defendants murder affirmative defense extreme emotional disturbance. 8 stressed determining what legislature's definition elements dispositive: "[T]he included Id., 210, 2327 (emphasis added). "there obviously regard," ibid., "[t]he . case," 2327. rests premise bears repeating here: 9 "It goes saying preventing dealing much business Federal Government, Irvine California, 347 128, 134 [74 381, 384, 98 L.Ed. 561] (1954) (plurality opinion), should lightly construe Constitution so intrude administration individual States. Among normally 'within regulate procedures laws carried out, including producing persuasion,' decision regard proscription unless 'it offends some principle rooted traditions conscience our people ranked fundamental.' Speiser Randall, 357 513, 523 [78 1332, 1341, 1460] (1958)." Id. 201-202, 2322 (citations omitted). 10 believe present most recent pronouncement subject, Mullaney. As observed, statute, instead Indeed, offenses, like permissible penalties established long passed.3 well chose redefine offenses order include it, teaches hesitate conclude bars from pursuing chosen course area defining prescribing penalties. 11 recognized, course, regard; limited circumstances Winship' requirement applies formally charged. gone formal provision therefore effect. do think so. never attempted define precisely noted i.e., extent forbids reallocation reduction criminal cases, today, persuaded several factors exceed limits. 12 note first plainly transgress Patterson. Responding concern rule permit unbridled detriment defendants, advanced unremarkable proposition precludes discarding innocence: 13 '[I]t within province declare presumptively crime.' McFarland American Sugar Rfg. Co., 241 79, 86 [36 498, 500, 899] (1916). cannot 'validly command finding indictment, mere identity accused, create guilt.' Tot United States, 319 463, 469 [63 1241, 1246, 1519] (1943)." 14 presumptions sort condemned 36 899 (1916) (presumption price sugar refiner paid party monopoly), 63 1519 (1943) felon weapon obtained interstate commerce). relieve guilt; becomes applicable duly punished. 15 respect main statute invalidated case, once Maine faced "a differential ranging nominal fine life sentence." 700, 1890. situation quite different. Of third-degree murder, robbery defined Pa.Cons.Stat. 3701(a)(1) (1982), kidnaping, rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse first-degree subjecting 20 imprisonment. 1103(1). Voluntary manslaughter 2702(a)(1) second carrying years. 1103(2). penalty committed penalty; solely limit court's selecting range already available special firearm. "ups ante" raising statutory plan.4 gives impression having tailored tail wags dog substantive "really" punished—that effect felonies—would superficial appeal exposed greater punishment, cf. U.S.C. 2113(d) (providing bank robberies accomplished through "use dangerous device"), not. 16 contend Court's 326 (1967), invalidation challenged here. Again, simply read too previous decisions. Under Colorado Specht, indefinite term post-trial posed threat bodily harm members public, habitual offender mentally ill," 607, 1211. could made, "hearing normal sense," based presentence psychiatric report. 608, failed satisfy requirements counsel, heard, confronted cross-examine witnesses him, offer own. 17 suggest decided time accept hypothesis, avails observed radically different situation" usual proceeding. same true statute. defendant, here; previously mentioned, court. Finally, specter raised restructuring existing "evade" commands just appear case.5 above, retain passed. did change took considered bear punishment—the instrumentality used committing violent felony—and dictated precise weight transformed will "element" hypothetical "offense." 19 support many legislatures various offenses.6 formulated schemes armed felons reflection federal system, demands "[t]olerance spectrum common problem enforcement," Spencer 385 554, 566, 648, 655, 606 (1967). few render choice unconstitutional.7 See 2327; Spaziano Florida, 468 447, 464, 104 3154, 3164, 82 340 (1984). historical test dissent, apparently rely, materially advance cause. surely "[f]or hundreds serious severe while armed," Brief 17, 11, relevant here—visible firearm—has historically treated Anglo-American legal tradition" requiring 226, 2335 (POWELL, dissenting). 229, 14, 2337, dissenting) (approving put gun unloaded inoperative receive lower sentence). number differences between find these controlling Our inability lay down "bright line" leave constitutionality statutes depend degree, full situations produce results. falls side line. III 21 Having "visible turn subsidiary Like below, little difficulty concluding extraordinary understood sanctioned scheme, explained line clearly stringent requirements. is, all, Amendment. Furthermore, rely passing "clear evidence." Williams 337 241, 69 1079, 93 1337 (1949). deemed nothing warrant sentencing.8 22 concede pass muster remove discretion, sentence. 31-32. fathoming why calculus seen fit provide guidance. heightened "concerning committed" background character defendant. Ibid. necessarily appropriate consistently approved mandate related e.g., Proffitt 428 242, 96 2960, 49 913 (1976), suggesting Courts Appeals uniformly challenges "dangerous offender" 3575, enhanced concludes both "dangerous" "special offender." Davis, 710 F.2d 104, (CA3) (collecting cases), cert. denied, 464 1001, 505, 78 695 (1983). IV 23 light foregoing, final claim—that merits discussion. again determine ultimate concerning committed. 459, 3161. 24 For foregoing reasons, judgment ordered. 26 BLACKMUN join, dissenting. 27 I agree STEVENS' 96-98. Whether that, question abdicated "[I]f law, undermine interests sought protect effecting law." 698, 1889, deference majority Legislature's statement wholly inappropriate. 28 not, formalistic distinction aggravating facts. "continued functioning democratic process," 100 (STEVENS, dissenting), us assurance circumvent criminalizing seemingly innocuous conduct then establish defense. remain ready enforce State, facts, lighten crime. 206-207, 2324-2325, (1977) (allowing require disturbance noting "does serve negative convict murder"). 29 off until next Term discussion analyzed Winship. aired considers Martin Ohio, 85-6461, granted, 475 1119, 1634, 180 (1986), Ohio's self-defense now, enough STEVENS "if component prohibited transaction give rise stigma 'fact crime' meaning Winship," 2426. attached consequences assault, relieved dissent. 30 31 Dennison, 73-year-old man, neighborhood youth suspected stealing money house. 111/2 months. Because recently enacted unconstitutional, refused 5-year mandated proves—by evidence—that offense," 9712(b). 32 presiding Dennison's three trials Superior Judges 'Visibly firearm' inarguably language refers behavior intended prohibit." App. Pet. Cert. A35. consequence, agreed General Assembly prohibit, 42, 363 (1985) (Larsen, concurring); 49, 366 (concurring joined recognized twice 29, 1, 356, foresight 9712(b) "Provisions section crime." 33 ground (1977). Today holds charged, authoritatively described—i.e., activity subjects sanctions—is my view, dispense targets describes mandates lengthy incarceration same, described applies. 34 Once evident since (1970). "explicitly" reasoning conclusion reviewed heritage Frankfurter characterized "basic rightly boasts free society,"1 and—of critical importance us—explained reasons undergird rule: 35 "The plays vital role procedure. prime instrument reducing convictions resting factual concrete substance innocence—that bedrock 'axiomatic elementary' whose 'enforcement lies foundation law.' Coffin [156 432,] 453 [15 394, 403, 39 481 (1895) ]. dissenters York agree, 'a disadvantage, disadvantage amounting lack fundamental fairness, adjudged imprisoned strength suffice civil case.' N.Y.2d [196], 205 [299 N.Y.S.2d 414, 420], 247 N.E.2d [253], 259 [1969]. procedure cogent reasons. stake immense importance, possibility lose certainty stigmatized conviction. Accordingly, society values good name freedom condemn man about 363-364, 1072. 37 purposive proof: threatens stigmatize incarcerate engaging conduct, proves doubt.2 38 true, points '[t]he ante, 85 (quoting 12). reflect uncontroversial power, limits, attach wide variety objectionable transactions; so, constituent specified transaction. predecessors decide itself ingredients "elements" contrary supposition majority, entirely keeping definitional implied second-degree two elements: 'intent cause death another person' 'caus[ing] third person.' 198, 2321 N.Y. Penal Law 125.25 (McKinney 1975)). "Malice aforethought [was] 2321. "causing intent so," 205, 2324, "an act constitutionally criminalize punish," 209, 2326; accord, 208, 2326, proscribed punished 206, refusal punishment," added)—in invalidate instance burdening fact." 203, 9, 2323, "To issue." 2326 clarified exposes likewise constrain reductions penalties—even conditioned prosecutor's failure supplied defendant.3 40 criticized formalistic. ability identify genuine threats depends continued To appreciate difference circumstances, important remember although reach destination allowing defense, prohibiting enhancing penalty, legislation along paths very theoretically achieve result. Consider, example, making private public place" "felony punishable up imprisonment" yet prove, robbing bank." Dutile, Burden Proof Criminal Cases: Comment Mullaney-Patterson Doctrine, 55 Notre Dame Law. 380, 383 (1980). democratically elected enact did, broad-based coalition bankers customers soon repealed.4 danger "mere physical contact leading victim's death, leaving acted culpable mens rea." 224, 8, 2334, legislator expose himself opprobrium meted murderers accidental stumble subway. similar can safely assumed "define assaults single disprove aggravation." 699, 24, 1890, inconceivability hypothesized legislation—all sincerely illustrate dangers permitting legislative mitigation derogation doubt—is reason feel secure electorate.5 41 inconceivable, fear individuals antisocial further demonstrates, enhance deterrent forbidding mandating crimes. teach objectives expense accurate factfinding owed criminally suffer nonpersuasion. demean standard—indeed, itself—if avoided declaration named "assault" broad encompass intentional infliction another, specify increased punishments show robbed, raped, "during offense." Appropriate offenses. high avoiding loss results follows, submit, "fact crime" 43 reflects determination blameworthy judicial simple overlooked, automatically conduct. authorized minimize significance whether attention focused stigmatizing punitive finding. 697-698, 1888-1889.6 identifies specifically prohibit sanction. sanction cavalier observation 88, 89. matter be, 1/2 months principled justification luck draw. 45 respectfully full: "(a) sentence.—Any manslaughter, intercourse, Pa.C.S. 3701(a)(1)(i), (ii) (iii) (relating robbery), assault) kidnapping, attempt crimes, shall, visibly total confinement notwithstanding title contrary. "(b) sentencing.—Provisions thereof prior conviction, intention determined afford opportunity determine, applicable. "(c) Authority sentencing.—There authority subsection (a) place probation suspend prevent imposing section. guidelines promulgated Commission supersede "(d) Appeal Commonwealth.—If refuses apply applicable, appellate review action vacate remand imposition accordance finds violation "(e) Definition firearm.—As 'firearm' means (including starter gun) designed readily converted expel projectile explosive expansion gas therein." McMillan assault; instruments 2503 received concurrent 21/2 charge, 4- 8-year terms conspiracy; violating Uniform Firearms 6101 et seq., reckless endangerment, 2705, respectively. He suspended essentially form 1972. 1972 Pa.Laws 334, compiled, amended, codified "Crimes Code." passed By sentence, incidentally serves restrict setting one-half imposed." 9756(b) (1982). Thus, shortest reject view anything changes easier obtain convictions. "From vantage point Constitution, favorable good, innovation bad." Jeffries & Stephan, Defenses, Presumptions, Law, Yale L.J. 1325, 1361 argues typically differ deadly weapons firearms, higher grade unarmed Respondent 11. States—New Jersey, N.J.Stat.Ann. 2C:43-6c (West 1982); Gantt, 186 N.J.Super. 262, 452 aff'd, 195 144, 478 422 (App.Div.1984), Kansas, Kan.Stat.Ann. 21-4618 (1981); Mullins, 223 Kan. 798, 577 P.2d 51 (1978)—have Pennsylvania's. (1979), Santosky Kramer, 455 745, 102 1388, 71 599 respectively applied evidence" commitment mental institution termination parental rights, Quite unlike takes valid deprived confine him." Meachum Fano, 427 215, 2532, 2538, 451 (1976). text, operated proof; embracing suggestion clear-and-convincing here significantly alter distinguish host express make Leland Oregon, 343 790, 803, 72 1002, 1009, 1302 (1952) (Frankfurter, Later "duty establishing equation adds satisfaction decisive liability." 805, 1011. combination involved conditional absolute sets apart else imposes." Packer, Mens Rea 1962 S.Ct.Rev. 107, 150. casts restitution ordered "constitutional citing 469, 1245, (1943), invalidating presumptions. basis distinguished struck "Whoever unlawfully kills human malice aforethought," Me.Rev.Stat.Ann., Tit. 2651 (1964) added), 'malice indispensable murder,' 686, 1883 74-13, O.T. 1974, 40). Likewise, Government conceded enactment receipt commerce. 466, 1244. Tot, stood "shifting persuasion deems presumed impermissible Clause." 2329 Cf. Romano, 382 136, 138, 279, 280, 283, 210 (1965). unlawful, killings imprisonment, Congress violence, explanation, satisfactory, Lafferty, 309 647, 664-665 (Me.1973); 672-673 (Wernick, concurring), explanation direct malice. 278 139, 145-146 (Me.1971). downplayed "no convinced homicide," "is longer guilt innocence felonious homicide." 146. safeguards rendered unavailable reached lead significant impairment personal liberty." 1889. Accord, 608-611, 1211-1213, Ashford Risinger, Assumptions, Theoretical Overview, 165, 178 (1969) ("In germane punishment: individual; (b) narcotics house; (c) knowledge. punished: electorate approve passage second. mean political temperament state, it. If nominally recognizes knowledge (as statute) further, type arranges still sent jail passed), undergone checks guaranteed representative government"); Note, Constitutionality Affirmative Defenses Colum.L.Rev. 667 (1978) ("[A]lthough factor, suppose done climate so"). Ely, Democracy Distrust 183 (1980) ("constitutional appropriately exists government trusted, know can"). 182-183. irrelevant predicate "Under system thief entitled complain unconstitutionally burglar." Jackson Virginia, 443 307, 323-324, 2781, 2791, 61 560 3, supra.

Category: 3