Document: 372 U.S. 487 83 S.Ct. 774 9 L.Ed.2d 899 Robert DRAPER and Raymond Lorentzen, Petitioners,v.STATE OF WASHINGTON et al. No. 201. Argued Jan. 16, 1963. Decided March 18, Charles F. Luce, Portland, Or., for petitioners. John J. Lally, Spokane, Wash., respondents. Mr. Justice GOLDBERG delivered the opinion of Court. 1 Certiorari was granted in this case, 370 935, 82 1589, 8 806, order that Court might consider whether State Washington's rules governing provision transcripts to indigent criminal defendants purposes appeal were applied case so as deprive petitioners rights guaranteed them by Fourteenth Amendment. 2 This has dealt recently with constitutional indigents free on Griffin v. Illinois, 351 12, 76 585, 100 L.Ed. 891 Eskridge Washington Board Prison Terms Paroles, 357 214, 78 1061, 1269. The principle is '(d)estitute must be afforded adequate appellate review who have money enough buy transcripts,' U.S., at 19, S.Ct., 591, a holding restated 'that denies right Amendment if it allows all convicted except those cannot afford pay records their trials,' 216, 1062. In question validity long-standing procedure whereby an defendant would receive stenographic transcript public expense only if, trial judge, 'justice will thereby promoted.' Id., 215, held per curiam that, given guarantee accused prosecutions, Wash.Const. Art. I, § 22 Amend. 10, '(t)he conclusion judge there no reversible error substitute full available can transcript,' id., 1062, remanded cause further proceedings not inconsistent opinion. response, Woods Rhay, 54 Wash.2d 36, 338 P.2d 332 (1959), which reconsideration light two weeks after decided, 575, 1387, 1547, Supreme formulated new set govern judges passing upon indigents' requests transcripts: 3 '1. An his motion statement facts forth: 4 'a. fact indigency 5 'b. errors he claims committed; claimed evidence insufficient justify verdict, shall specify particularity what respect believes lacking. (The allegations need expressed any technical form but clearly indicate intended). 6 '2. If state alleged properly presented without testimony, 7 may make showing portion adequate, or narrative show such defendant. '3. court disposing indigent's county enter findings following matters: 10 defendant's 11 Which errors, any, are frivolous reasons why they 12 'c. Whether present defendant; and, 13 'd. What necessary effectuate appeal. 14 '4. court's disposition definitive order.' Wash.2d, 44—45, P.2d, 337. 15 It application these asserted declared cases. Petitioners, concededly indigent, each counts robbery jury sentenced consecutive 20-year terms three-day ending September 14, 1960, during represented court-appointed counsel. Their motions trials denied. On October 20, acting pro se, filed timely notices from judgments conviction, then identical requesting preparation record facts.1 Drawn inartistically, petitioners' forth trial, relating admission testimony exhibits, perjured self-contradictory prejudice conduct failure enforce rule exclusion witnesses, establish elements crime charged. Each concluded '(u)nless Defendant provided expense, unable prosecute appeal.' 16 Petitioners' heard November 28 had presided trial. Petitioners hearing, having been brought Penitentiary where still incarcerated. Although longer wished aid counsel, accordance Rhay,2 directed counsel speak behalf. Counsel attempted, best could recollection occurred one-half months earlier, elaborate specifications motions. objections stated, related gun introduced against petitioner Draper, jacket, found it, belonging Lorentzen. explained length regarded foundation laid introducing items extremely weak, receipt slim prejudicial. He suggested Draper identified accomplice, Jennings, whose also contradictory perjurious. argued prosecution failed prove both existence corporation indictment described owning one robbed motels, possessory its agent taken. 'In my opinion,' said, 'those omissions very important, fatal case.' Further, referred contention witnesses improperly allowed sit courtroom prior testifying, said personal knowledge supporting since invoked exclusion-of-witnesses perhaps something contention. Finally, sustain conviction was, under Rhay analogous decisions federal prisoners, itself entitle transcript. 17 Since desired counsel's assistance, argue when finished. stated layman's way believed interrogated details inability give 18 prosecutor opposed affidavit argument hearing. His summarized several paragraphs contrary interpretation evidence, according him plainly established defendants' guilt. undertook refute assignments error. contended, therefore, statements should denied because 'there nothing here support substantial claim whatsoever.' 19 prosecutor's argument, reviewed indicated orally deny December entered order, coupled formal conclusions law, 20 'That out patently frivolous; guilt count Robbery overwhelming accordingly furnishing result waste funds.' 21 six thought proven summary constituted judge's about operative facts, description whatsoever based. After stating factual conclusions, specifically rejected statement—almost wholly conclusory—concerning each. sought certiorari Washington. Department One quashed writ, principles correctly frivolous. 58 830, 365 31. By nature procedure, Court's ruling made benefit reference Solely basis hearing motion, '(i)t serve useful purpose (the) detail,' 832, 33, instead purported summarize briefly, based entirely uncritically occurred. These conclusory statements, arrived examination underlying (inevitably, conclusions) characterized sufficient evidence.3 briefly dealing rejecting specific error, just done. 23 contend appeals cured defects disapproved Eskridge. They standard conditions effective finding, even though nonfrivolity promotion justice, review. Under standard, one, convince contentions merit before obtain Failing continue, passes consideration proceedings, whereas direct Court, affords contentions. argues difference justifiable safeguards while guaranteeing cases potential utility.4 24 considering received review, we reaffirm principle, Griffin, purchase stenographer's every it. 591. Alternative methods reporting permissible place equivalent report events appellant's arise. A agreed sides, minutes taken reporter's untranscribed notes, bystander's bill exceptions substitutes, equally good Moreover, part certain germane appeal, required expend funds unnecessarily circumstances. If, instance, points urged relate statute sufficiency predicated, irrelevant provided. go rulings sufficiency, well limited portions relevant issues. Even kind issue, however, unnecessary pertaining proof point matter law convicted.5 examples given, appellant choose including does mean providing duty provide appellants funds—the means presenting nonindigent similar 25 adequately considered arguments improper introduction coat, example, determined merits—as nonindigent's appeal—without recourse, minimum, point.6 Again, identification perjury similarly impossible pass study record. inadequate information 26 materials did constitute 'record completeness,' see Coppedge United States, 369 438, 446, 917, 921, 21, p. 498, infra, assigned. No counter-affidavit prosecutor. former sense like detailed kept far know, premised recollections time nearly three being actual merely conclusions. stretch imagination analogized exceptions. recitals most form, prepared advocate seeking denial transcript, contested motion. 27 allowing prevent presentation separate tribunal, assured contemplate followed Constitution requires. Thus, rules, endeavored complied mandate limiting grant State. impermissible total getting merits clog process attends money. come this: wishing needing do already overruled finds contentions, ruled, predictable finding frivolity subject scrutiny aspects actually rather parties recalled thereafter summarily went 29 vices courts requiring leave forma pauperis District applies Appeals court, substance applicant's ascertained face (as case), completeness enable attempt certificate lack 'good faith' proceed * allowed.' Here, similarly, request first granting completeness' permit proper claims. Such ensured convictions guarantees nonindigents. say today militates State's formulation operatively nondiscriminatory nonindigents guard appeals, affording ensure tested frivolity, same reviewing court. Compare Ellis 356 674, 974, 1060; supra, 447—448, 922. 30 transcript.' We hold Washington, effect sufficiently complete themselves. 31 judgment reversed 32 Reversed remanded. 33 WHITE, whom CLARK, HARLAN STEWART join, dissenting. 34 issues raised satisfactory Consequently, due deference, I dissent. I. 35 should, 891; 1269; cf. Johnson 352 565; carefully avoids supply case. furnish substantially purchased resources accept notes standards articulated am quite fathom respects placed satisfactory, was. 36 Following setting State, opposing responded prosecuting attorney. attorney themselves challenge accuracy supplement included material added considerably summary, oral colloquies between Draper. do, findings, beyond expressly intended 'substance testimony' matters relied 37 thus situation faith, utilizing own help settled use errors. contained everything defendants, Furthermore, briefs appointed 38 loss understand above satisfy requirements, particularly throughout entire proceeding neither nor challenged opportunity add While claiming generally insisting once particulars participation inaccurate 39 says suffice. But more than party appealing certified bystander refuses certify. See, e.g., Cartwright Barnett, 192 Ark. 206, 90 S.W.2d 485; McKee Elwell, 67 Colo. 149, 186 P. 714. And, unanimous Court: 40 'Historically embody verbatim but, contrary, short, sources contribute veracious account action invoked.' Miller 317 192, 198, 63 187, 190, 87 179. 41 observed '(c)ounsel (for petitioners) could, duty, prepared, become approve accurate, or, not, assist making accurately reflect proceedings.' 199, 191 (emphasis supplied). solely prepare instance. Upon proceeded, giving participate, 'statement court.' 190. 42 enunciated then, ample likewise, Its dispose think correct—as supplied demonstrate. II. 43 follows: 44 '(1) Testimony contradict other defendants. 45 '(2) Identification clothes weapons continuency possession shown, ownership established, articles Defendants proven. 46 '(3) many conflict times other, happened how 47 '(4) That witness himself repeatedly stricken thrown out. 48 '(5) presumption innocence never Defendants. 49 '(6) Judge prejudiced 50 '(7) dismissed guilty 51 '(8) exhibits over entered. 52 '(9) allowed. 53 '(10) charged robbing companies robbed. '(11) forced table prosecutors policeman subpoenaed witness. 55 '(12) excluding main sat testifying bearing testimony. 56 '(13) Unless 57 places special emphasis 1, 2, 3, constitutionally However, asserts contradictions Inconsistency stranger task sort determine 'presents mere fact, verdict conclusive. positive, found.' Corinne Mill, Canal & Stock Co. Toponce, 152 405, 408, 632, 633, 493. See Galloway 319 372, 1077, 1458; Gunning Cooley, 281 90, 231, 74 720. Accordingly, bare inconsistency beside point. jury's indeed Here shows accomplice Jennings confirmed mother. Thus raise problem jury. 59 Point questions admissibility jacket identification. pointed out, Lorentzen's get-away car belonged Lorentzen looking wore commission crimes. ruled admissible positiveness identification, weight, evidence. agreed. doubt seriously propriety wisdom questioning exhibit law. 60 apparently makes much 4, general allegation perjury, intelligently reviewable made. appears untenable circumstances over, closed. attack offer credibility weighed telling truth discard issue circumstances, take outside normal have, States Johnson, 327 106, 66 464, 562 '(N)ew 'merely cumulative impeaching' often-repeated courts, trial.' Mesarosh 9, 77 5, 1; Brooks, 89 Wash. 427, 154 795. committed made, all, some proceeding. 61 shares difficulties inherent blanket lacking specificity. seem assertions least instances mind, (except illuminates 8) attention particular points. see, Seaboard Air Line R. Watson, 287 86, 32, 180; Erdmann Henderson, 296, 311 423; Nordlund Pearson, 91 358, 157 875, disregarded net require 332, approves. 62 As 7, essentially challenges adequate. attached Appendix, 509, incredible me affirm motels. note opinion, 496. Similarly, ground assertion adverse within instructed different instructions burden proof, reminded selection 64 readily apparent demanded prejudice, suffered seated prosecutor, physical arrangement tried 65 6, stage sentence fashion 'even meritorious, our preclude them.' better, comment normally lot initiative preparing record—and appear true here—the shoulder blame, want reason represent notified available. immediate response desire Petitioner repeated gave connection record, position. argued, abilities disposal III. satisfied therefore infirmity severely limits power avoid undue appeals. inflexible procedural straitjacket. greater harm befall indiscriminate situations inapposite. served inquisitorial approach administration courts. To us amply demonstrates faithful affirm. 68 APPENDIX TO OPINION MR. JUSTICE WHITE. 69 Superior County Spokane 16603 STATE WASHINGTON, PLAINTIFF 70 71 RAYMOND L. LORENTZEN, ROBERT AND JAMES D. LONG, DEFENDANTS Findings 1960 72 entitled came regularly 28th day November, personally Thomas Lynch appearing defendant, Frank H. Deputy Prosecuting Attorney plaintiff, examined files affidavits individual A. fully advised premises, now, FINDINGS FACT 73 jointly County, 12th, 13th 14th, 1960. II rendered verdicts information; 30, years count, sentences run consecutively. III 75 TraveLodge Motel owned operated motel business partnership consisting E. Swanson, Dr. C. M. Anderson, Corporation, Inc., corporation, co-partnership name TravelLodge Motel; approximately 1:50 a.m., July Deurbrouck employee night clerk charge property James Long, armed loaded gunpoint took approximate sum $500.00 lawful struck back head inflicted Deurbrouck, scalp wound four stitches close. IV ran automobile waiting prearrangement, driving automobile, waited; prearrangement drove Down Towner engaged business; Long DownTowner up Motel, Barry Roff, of, force violence, $1800.00 corporation; Roff used Jennings; thereupon driving, waiting. V aforementioned police officer Donald Rafferty, downtown area time; Rafferty few blocks until radio vehicle, attempted stop vehicle riding, accelerated flee; chase through streets speeds miles hour joined pursuit another driven Bailor; course pursuit, fired unknown number shots pursuing vehicles; intersection Third Wall Streets occupied rammed behind Bailor caused control parking northeast corner Spokane. VI apprehended proceeds robberies envelopes, receipts, papers coming motels recovered vehicle. immediately admitted robberies. VII 79 fled returned Davenport Hotel rented room 'J. Radde;' noon left flew Seattle Northwest Lines, commercial plane, days later passenger's flight coupon possession; 26a, registration latter using Radde,' 23, 25. VIII 80 plea Honorable Louis Bunge, confinement consecutively; testified co-defendants, Jennings' home near Addy, north afternoon persuaded return defendants; Mrs. Gladys Allen, mother planned hours robberies; men travelled route planning timing IX 81 rested chief, taking stand offering X assignment 'A. That, three, whatever contradiction 84 'B. eight, objection two, holdup, remaining offered, goes weight admissibility. 85 'C. four, claim. 86 'D. five, matters. 'E. six, existed. 88 'F. seven, offered crimes 'G. nine, admitted, admitted. 'H. ten, uncontradicted legal robberies, employees business, owners, co-partners Swanson. 'I. eleven; participated therein working room, conceivable prejudices resulted demonstration participant evident ever 92 twelve, called presence invoked, knowledge, made.' XI 93 eleven twelve fashion. 94 From foregoing Fact, CONCLUSIONS LAW 95 frivolous, groundless 96 allege substantiate 97 funds. 98 Done open 12th December, 99 HUGH EVANS, Judge. practice refers copies various documents 'transcript record,' Rule Rules Appeal, transcription facts,' Appeal. common usage, often herein 'transcript' 'stenographic 'Where services motion.' 44, n. 337, 2. twice implying abandoned resting insufficiency inconsistencies conclusion. se brief broad proposition pointless meant waive possibly vigorous meaningless willing prosecution's version facts. noted, did, notwithstanding comments, practical nonindigents, moneyed motivated 'sense thrift,' exactly reject untenable. defies faced long-term imprisonment grounds here, save cost indigents, justified equalize incidence For robbery, obviating conclusion, contrast necessarily depended examination—never made—of appropriate test meet threshold

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