Opinion ID: 543015
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Obremski's Due Process Claim

Text: 18 We need not decide whether the matrix system 2 confers a liberty interest entitling prisoner to due process protection in the setting of release dates. Instead, we conclude that, assuming arguendo that Oregon prisoners have a protected liberty interest under the statutes creating the matrix system, Obremski has failed to demonstrate that the postponement of his parole release date by the Board violated his due process rights. See Jancsek v. Oregon Bd. of Parole, 833 F.2d 1389, 1389-90 (9th Cir.1987) (concluding that petitioner was afforded all the due process protection required by the matrix system without deciding whether the system creates a liberty interest); Pedro v. Oregon Parole Bd., 825 F.2d 1396, 1398 (9th Cir.1987) (same), cert. denied, 484 U.S. 1017, 108 S.Ct. 726, 98 L.Ed.2d 675 (1988). 19 Obremski acknowledges that the typical matrix range for his crimes was twenty-four years to life. He argues, however, that he believed that an earlier release date would be possible under Oregon Administrative Rule 255-35-040. This rule states: 20 Resetting Pre-Guideline Parole Hearing Dates for Category VII Offenders: 21 255-35-040 The Board may reset the parole hearing date of a prisoner with an offense severity rating of seven who was given a parole hearing date before January 26, 1977, according to the following minimum prison terms: Criminal History/Risk Assessment Score: 11-9--8 years; 8-6--10 years; 5-3--12 years; 2-0--12 years. 22 OAR 255-35-040. By its terms, this rule applies only to parole hearing dates and not to release dates. Thus, Obremski cannot argue persuasively that the Board's order setting March 8, 1987, as the release date was valid. Moreover, the Oregon Court of Appeals has held that the March 8, 1987 date failed to comply with the matrix range under ORS 144.120(2). 91 Or.App. at 165, 754 P.2d at 33. 23 Nevertheless, Obremski argues that the Board's actions violated due process in failing to protect his liberty interest in the March 8, 1987 release date. Specifically, he argues that the Board exhibited bias and prejudice in their conduct in his case. To support this contention, Obremski claims that the Board required him to undergo repeated psychological examinations in response to a public outcry of over 500 letters in an attempt to justify delaying his release date. In addition, he points to a letter, dated June 9, 1983, from Board Chairwoman Hazel Hayes, which states: 24 [A]s a Board, we are doing everything we legally can to defer parole. On June 27, 1979, we gave Obremski a firm date, on December 22, 1981, it was reaffirmed. Now the only justification for postponing parole is by ORS 144.125. To date, the Board has ordered three different psychological reports, all indicate Obremski is not emotionally disturbed or dangerous. Mr. McAlister [the Assistant Attorney General advising the Board] has reviewed the file and all pertinent material, it is his legal opinion that the Board's hands are tied. 25 In discussing the minimum requirements of due process for parole revocation hearings, the Supreme Court included a 'neutral and detached' hearing body such as a traditional parole board. Morrissey v. Brewer, 408 U.S. 471, 489, 92 S.Ct. 2593, 2604, 33 L.Ed.2d 484 (1972) (discussing parole revocation). Because parole board officials perform tasks that are functionally comparable to those performed by the judiciary, they owe the same duty: to render impartial decisions in cases and controversies that excite strong feelings because the litigant's liberty is at stake. Sellars v. Procunier, 641 F.2d 1295, 1303 (9th Cir.), cert. denied, 454 U.S. 1102, 102 S.Ct. 678, 70 L.Ed.2d 644 (1981); see also Schweiker v. McClure, 456 U.S. 188, 195, 102 S.Ct. 1665, 1669, 72 L.Ed.2d 1 (1982) ([D]ue process demands impartiality on the part of those who function in judicial or quasi-judicial capacities.). Thus, Obremski is correct in his contention that he was entitled to have his release date considered by a parole board that was free from bias or prejudice. 26 Whether Obremski alleged sufficient facts to show that the Board was biased and prejudiced against him because it was motivated to vacate his parole date by public outcry presents a close question. We need not resolve this question. Obremski failed to allege facts showing that he was prejudiced by the public outcry and the Board's expressed desire to do everything legally possible to defer parole. The facts show that the March 8, 1987 release date was set contrary to Oregon law and was invalid. Therefore, the Board acted lawfully in setting a new parole release date. Given these circumstances, Obremski has failed to show that the Board deprived him of his right to due process. See Townsend v. Sain, 372 U.S. 293, 312, 83 S.Ct. 745, 756 9 L.Ed.2d 770 (1963) (petitioner must allege[ ] facts which, if proved, would entitle him to relief). 27 Because we are a court of limited jurisdiction, we lack the power to render advisory opinions. Hillblom v. United States, 896 F.2d 426, 430 (9th Cir.1990) ( '[T]he federal courts established pursuant to Article III of the Constitution do not render advisory opinions. For adjudication of constitutional issues, concrete legal issues, presented in actual cases, not abstractions, are requisite.'  (quoting United States Public Workers v. Mitchell, 330 U.S. 75, 89, 67 S.Ct. 556, 564, 91 L.Ed. 754 (1947), overruled on other grounds, 342 U.S. 485, 72 S.Ct. 380, 96 L.Ed. 517 (1952))). A determination by this court that sufficient facts were alleged to require an evidentiary hearing concerning the alleged bias of the Board could not result in an order that would afford Obremski the relief he seeks, i.e., reinstatement of the March 8, 1987 release date. An unbiased Board at a new hearing would be compelled to apply Oregon law as explained in O'Bremski v. Oregon Board of Parole, 91 Or.App. 164, 754 P.2d 32 (per curiam), review denied, 306 Or. 414, 761 P.2d 531 (1988), and declare that the March 8, 1987 release date was void.