Document: 364 U.S. 388 81 S.Ct. 153 5 L.Ed.2d 148 Willard UPHAUSv.Louis C. WYMAN, Attorney General. No. 336. Nov. 14, 1960. Louis Lusky, Grenville Clark, Marvin H. Morse, Dudley W. Orr, Royal France, Hugh Bownes and Leonard B. Boudin, for appellant. Wyman, Atty. Gen. of New Hampshire, appellee pro se. PER CURIAM. 1 In view the Court's decision in Uphaus v. Wyman. 360 72, 79 1040, 3 1090, rehearing denied, 361 856, 80 40, 4 95, motion to dismiss is granted appeal herein dismissed want jurisdiction, that judgment sought be reviewed based on a non-federal ground. 2 Appeal dismissed. Mr. Justice BRENNAN. The Hampshire Supreme Court has held this proceeding Legislature still wanted Dr. Uphaus' answers December 1959, notwithstanding omission from Laws 1957, c. 178, provision 1955, cc. 340 197, authorizing General 'to determine whether subversive persons * are presently located within state,' Wyman Uphaus, 102 N.H. 461, 159 A.2d 160, denial bail, 517, 162 611. We bound by highest state court's construction pertinent statutes. must therefore consider substantiality federal constitutional questions presented basis not upon premise urged 1957 statute shows legislature no longer him produce list names. consequence, while I remain incorrectly sustained previous order civil contempt made against see dissent at page 82, U.S., 1047 S.Ct., holding, it stands, also sustains challenged appeal. Solely under compulsion decision, think as presenting substantial question. BLACK, with whom THE CHIEF JUSTICE DOUGLAS concur, dissenting. 6 concur agree since law upheld now been changed, new which cannot involving only correctness ruling local law, we consequently should but note grant bail hear arguments. recent amendment withdrew power, involved appeal, authorized within' State, thus took away very power was acting when he demanded names guests summer camp managed appellant, Uphaus. Notwithstanding fact, courts have State an interest those sufficient justify continued imprisonment his refusal comply demand them.1 This raises latter holding violates Federal Constitution. action today treating insubstantial2 wrong least two different respects. 7 First, inconsistent own test set forth its opinion prior there used square First Amendment. That stated these terms: 'The World Fellowship their associational privacy having asserted, question public interests overbalance conflicting private ones.'3 required weign broadly expressed legislature, knowing 'whether balalcing process4 resulted conclusion prevail. Now, however, clear so weighed exists balance if invasion 'associational privacy' previously sanctioned permitted continue. But refuses do, apparently theory present controlled disposition. It seems me 'balancing' take such important change little balancing all—a mere illusion, fact. 8 Secondly, record stands before requires reappraisal actions constitute bill attainder violation Art. I, § 10, On majority then stood would conclusion. record, presents facts relevant issue. For here confronted situation intention permit single out any others (if, indeed, others) investigative proceedings had already commenced pursue proceedings, furtherance general aim State—that aim, ever existed, abandoned amendment—but sole purpose setting people off special treatment. What treatment clearly shown brief filed himself, who administers Act. states unequivocally '(t)hose voluntarily knowingly appear with, consult confer attend functions otherwise act concert Communists or former America possibly reasonable right regard activities *.'5 light all facts, properly dispositive unconstitutionally imposing 9 summary dismissal without even much benefit oral argument, abridgment rights free speech assembly obvious, sad indication just how far departed protections Bill Rights omen things yet come. Such retrogression, course, follows naturally trend toward substituting plain language commands elastic concepts uphold direct abridgements liberty unless views abridgments 'arbitrary,' 'unreasonable,' 'offensive decency' 'unjustified balance,'6 reduce absolute Constitution admonitions. time cherish liberties guaranteed look closely disastrous consequences use concepts. case graphically illustrates stripped ambiguous legal formulations imposed considered context actually arose—the conduct individual. 10 He citizen country birth. Throughout nearly seventy years life, evidently early boyhood, deeply religious person. active membership official service various Methodist churches communities where lived. value services attested affidavits pastors churches. further indicates, dispute, man whose life dedicated principles religion. holds degree Doctor Theology. taught education Yale University associated Religion Labor Foundation number years. Over years, faith manifested itself increasing opposition war. belief led him, 1952, become Director Fellowship, Inc., operated, says, promoting ideas pacifism. 11 Almost immediately arrival came fire investigation being conducted frequented 'subversive' persons. Eventually, called testify. At outset hearing General, complete willingness answer concerning including might hold taken subject. addition, give information subject matter speeches Fellowship. absolutely refused General: (1) nonprofessional employees camp; (2) stayed (3) personal correspondence speakers appeared camp. Upon met refusal, court requiring items. resulting hearing, court, viewing request camp's dishwashers floor sweepers totally unreasonable uncertain amenability subpoena correspoundence, ordered guests. This, persisted, could resting following reasons, adhered throughout long ordeal: because 'by teachings Bible bear false witness my brother; reason believe sense hurt our country, they possession General'; 'the social Church teach us specifically United States stand up rights; particular, condemns guilt association';7 'I love document (the Rights) propose full strength spirit intelligence.' 12 Nonetheless, imprisoned failure it. As result, jail last 14 sentenced one year until produce. His plight, worse than normally indicated sentence can assurance will released end specified. insists, legislation reducing powers, continue investigations pending, agrees him. Court, today, necessarily takes position serious peaceable does raise entirely possible subjected questioning forced into 'contempt' soon serves year's imprisonment. makes every doing that. Thus, distinct possibility who, records show, never committed crime, nor immoral act, faces rest life. simply violate sacrifice disclosing peaceably assembled discuss affairs country. 13 respect, predicament may likened defendant famous Sheriff's Case House Lords 1767.8 There City London prosecute dissenter refusing serve office sheriff by-laws. defense Corporation Act9 crime oath holders sacraments England year. dilemma vividly described Lord Mansfield stating case: 'Make render them incapable office; make another, punish serving. If accept, them; refuse, say, yes, no, them. My Lords, most exquisite dilemma, escaping; trap get of; bad persecution bed Procrustes: too short, stretch long, lop them.'10 15 technique putting unorthodox groups real choice between alternative punishments (a prevalence extends beyond borders Hampshire) strikingly similar utilized testifies, friends suffer; testify, goes jail. truly 'from escaping' like Case, bring himself either rights. 16 highlight unfortunate aspect case. there, hundred ago Rights, countenance technique. They Toleration Act11 Parliament freedom though terms guarantee were less sweeping more limited application view, majority's disposition case, admonitions, means Amendment amounts something charter England's Act be. face indisputable historical fact primary reasons establishment desire settlors escape persecution. 17 do suggest, precedent history. Indeed, am painfully aware multitude precedents extending many centuries back past continuing forward almost unbroken line day. is, example, Puritan minister John Udall 1590, bears strong similarity connection authorship certain tracts which, words judges, 'tend(ed) overthrowing moving Rebellion.'12 force disclose identity other Puritans tracts. divulge names, gave statement unlike court. allegiance her majesty, wherein acknowledge supremacy according statute, promise obedience becometh subject; swear accuse myself others, you it.'13 Udall, consent testify.14 coercion ineffective date this. Udall's dauntless broken body was. died prison few 18 difficult point cases content other. Some after experiences, dissenting preacher named Bunyan. arrested preaching efforts preach more. coerced silence. result put through kind trial15 'several unlawful (religious) meetings great disturbance distraction good subjects kingdom *.'16 Bunyan's lasted during world Pilgrim's Progress.17 One judges acquiesced18 Bunyan Sir Matthew Hale, later Chief Campbell 'one pure, pious, independent, learned' Justices had.19 description unjustified, despite marred part conviction sentencing death women witches,20 think, tragic commentary judiciary, period, discharging duty protect liberties. perhaps ironies history name Bunyan, poor tinker preacher, well known respected languish 19 guess favor another everlengthening sent kept periods lives beliefs prevailing moment. Fourteenth Amendments intended prevent imprisonments grounds are, precisely always throwing dissenters jail, namely, menace community dangerous leave free. true, suspects, some company Communists, Communists. true associates suspected be, forbids imposition pains penalties assembling drafted men constant danger individual officials harass nothing charges associate labeled Government publicans sinners. 20 DOUGLAS, BLACK 21 jurisdiction several reasons. 22 First. deliver investigating agency lists claims constitutionally protected disclosure. June 8, affirmed divided vote. 1090. Following remand given raised. N.H.Laws 1953, 307; 340, directing state.' exists. authority making violations law. 178. respects legislation, 27, 1960, said:1 23 'Our March 31, 1960,2 did turn RSA 588:8—a provided extension legislative first 1953. plaintiff effect, entered enactment 588:8—a.' 24 conclude plainly commitment criminal imposed. expiration force. coercive documents demanded. carries keys pocket, pointed supra, 81, 1046. requirement assumes production State. 78, 1045: 25 'What State? commissioned Hampshire. obvious starting inquiry learn what requests relate directly Legislature's area interest, i.e., presence subversives announced resolution.' exists, statutory noted. quoted above, concedes rely 'an 1953.' 518, 612. words, investigate 'subversive persons' existing project. 26 Thus second us. May person incarcerated committee matter? If, extended respecting pending cases, local, nonfederal one, issue concerned, obviously correct. rendered rejects treats offense completed earlier read mean rather contempt. criteria apparent pertinency tendered. 27 Are applicable contempt? Perhaps so. careful delineation issues Brother CLARK, wrote majority, restricts appellant brief, conditional nature 'makes tolerable omission, procedural safeguards hedged about *.' due process problems prisoner, invokes Amendment, go pocket? different, decide argument difference cases. 28 stresses pressed 'not time, advanced Superior day committal entered.' true. waiver appears made. counsel client comply. 29 'Your Honor please, deny obligation propounded explained obligation, understands contention conscience; feels higher direction *. contending obligated question.' 30 transcript attorneys separate points. argued deprived permissible. A ground exception point, evidence offered duration sentence. presentation statement, claimed waiver, Whether changes affecting 'area interest' 1045, General's powers waived. earnestly pressed. Moreover, contempt, available? These resolved, know, decisions. 31 Second. Recently, Alabama asked National Association Advancement Colored People list, disclosure because, compelled, abridge members engage lawful association support common beliefs. said A.A.C.P. Alabama, 357 449, 462, 78 1163, 1171, 1488: 32 'It hardly novel perception compelled affiliation engaged advocacy way effective restraint forms governmental above thought likely particular involved. recognized vital relationship one's associations. When referring varied interfere assembly, American Communications Assn. Douds, 339 382, 402, (70 674, 686, 94 925): 'A adherents faiths political parties wear identifying arm-bands nature.' Compelled organization same order. 33 Inviolability group circumstances indispensable preservation association, particularly espouses dissident Cf. Rumely, (345 41), 56—58 (73 543, pages 550—551, 97 L.Ed. 770) (concurring opinion).' 34 designed, understood it, rule Negroes only. favors racial group. group, entitled protection N.A.A.C.P. No groundwork whatever laid unlawful. 35 decided. defy lists. Not later, possessed government production. Bates Little Rock, 516, 412, 480, decided handed down reversed custodians branches city officials. said: 36 'On sufficiently compulsory work significant interference members. uncontroverted identification organizations followed harassment threats bodily harm. 37 fear hostility economic reprisals follow discouraged joining induced withdraw. repressive attitudes pressures, brought exercise threatened members' 463, (78 1172). threat encroachment traditional aspects neither speculative remote.' Id., 523—524, 417. 38 Can doubt climate among Hampshire's law-enforcement likewise severe?3 pursued communities? activity, problem. shows, law-abiding speech, press, extend unanimous De Jonge Oregon, 299 353, 57 255, 278.4 39 unconstitutional Arkansas All groups—white colored—engaged enjoys. Since allowed reconsider focus responsibility administer justice hand allow prison. 40 wholly share, probable And should, resolution Court. concurrence better interpretation rests conclusively demonstrates so, refuse review implicit theory. Even both substantial. Implicit, dismissing insubstantial. 1045. process, applied freedoms, fully See, e.g., Barenblatt States, 109, 141—146, 1081, 1100—1103, 1115 (dissenting opinion), Beauharnais Illinois, 343 250, 268—270, 274—275, 72 725, 736 737, 739—740, 96 919 opinion). falls squarely Lovett, 328 303, 315—316, 66 1073, 1078—1079, 90 1252, imposes easily ascertainable 725; Rochin California, 342 165, 205, 183; Ass'n 70 925. affirmance order, expanded encompass religions. Relying article Professor History Harvard University, Williams, Reluctance To Inform, Theology Today 229, respect informing historic traditions truth again resorted inform shield Harrison Evans, Eng.Rep. 1437. Charles II, I. Mansfield's report cited above. reproduced Palladium Conscience, collection writings liberty, 142, 153. William & Mary, XVIII. Howell's Trials 1271, 1294. 1275. 1276. Although term 'civil contempt' used, colloquy reported Bishop Rochester, trial, sentence: 'Roch. past, end: oath? 'U. dare Then prison, hard you, glad it.' See events surrounding imprisonment, Relation Imprisonment Grace Abounding Progress, 103—132 (Brown ed., 1907). 114. Brown, 253—262, casts version genesis Progress suggesting written, years' shorter incarceration. also, Encyclopedia Britannica, Vol. IV, 392 (1957 ed.); Dictionary Biography, III, 280. ascertain precision extent Hale's matter. trial accorded, But, months he, Twisden, petition challenging legality seeking release. Mrs. petition, Imprisonment, Hale quite sympathetic plight. release, powerless sorry, woman, thee good; thou three aforesaid, namely; apply thyself King, sue pardon, writ error 130. An accurate evaluation claim wife petitioned told husband's release placed hands next assize Twisden sitting), attributed report: 'What, your husband preaching? send him.' 128. hand, Judge 'writ error' consistent judicial attitude caution Hallam, Constitutional England, 214 (2d 1829). Hallam criticized English lawyers 'dwell(ing) authorities sir Edward Coke Hale' treason 'these eminent men, especially latter, mainly built adjudged precedent, daring reject themselves found timidly exercised yielding deference transferred own.' Campbell, Lives 219—222. 171. Burnett, Life Death Hale; Foss, Judges 105—116; VIII, 902—908. 687. 611, 160. states, 'Those Hughes greater importance safeguarding incitements overthrow institutions violence, imperative need preserve inviolate press maintain opportunity discussion, responsive changes, desired, obtained peaceful means. Therein lies security Republic, foundation government. considerations that, consistently Constitution, discussion crime. proscribed. Those assist branded criminals score. question, preserved, auspices meeting purpose; relations speakers, utterances transcend bounds protects.' 365, 260.

Category: 2