Document: 384 U.S. 333 86 S.Ct. 1507 16 L.Ed.2d 600 Samuel H. SHEPPARD, Petitioner,v.E. L. MAXWELL, Warden. No. 490. Argued Feb. 28, 1966. Decided June 6, F. Lee Bailey, Boston, Mass., for petitioner. Bernard A. Berkman, Cleveland, Ohio, American Civil Liberties Union, and others, as amici curiae. William B. Saxbe, Columbus, John T. Corrigan, respondent. Mr. Justice CLARK delivered the opinion of Court. 1 This federal habeas corpus application involves question whether Sheppard was deprived a fair trial in his state conviction second-degree murder wife because judge's failure to protect sufficiently from massive, pervasive prejudicial publicity that attended prosecution.1 The United States District Court held he not afforded granted writ subject State's right put again, 231 F.Supp. 37 (D.C.S.D.Ohio 1964). Appeals Sixth Circuit reversed by divided vote, 346 F.2d 707 (1965). We certiorari, 382 916, 289, 15 have concluded did receive consistent with Due Process Clause Fourteenth Amendment and, therefore, reverse judgment. I. 2 Marilyn Sheppard, petitioner's pregnant wife, bludgeoned death upstairs bedroom their lakeshore home Bay Village, suburb Cleveland. On day tragedy, July 4, 1954, pieced together several local officials following story: He had entertained neighborhood friends, Aherns, on previous evening at home. After dinner they watched television living room. became drowsy dozed off sleep couch. Later, partially awoke him saying she going bed. next thing remembered hearing cry out early morning hours. hurried dim light hall saw 'form' standing wife's As struggled struck back neck rendered unconscious. regaining senses found himself floor rose, looked her, took her pulse 'felt gone.' then went son's room unmolested. Hearing noise downstairs. running door pursued it lake shore. grappled beach again lost consciousness. Upon recovery lying face down lower portion body water. returned home, checked neck, 'determined or thought gone.'2 downstairs called neighbor, Mayor Houk Village. came over once, slumped an easy chair asked, 'What happened?' replied: 'I don't know but somebody ought try do something Marilyn.' Mrs. immediately up bedroom. told 'Get hold yourself. Can you tell me what related above-outlined events. discovered body, police, Dr. Richard brother, Aherns. police were first arrive. They turn notified Coroner Cleveland police. arrived, determined dead, examined brother's injuries, removed nearby clinic operated family.3 When Coroner, other house surrounding area thoroughly searched, rooms photographed, many persons, including Houks interrogated. premises taken into 'protective custody' remained so until after trial.4 3 From outset focused suspicion Sheppard. search Gerber, is reported—and undenied men, 'Well, evident doctor this, let's go get confession him.' proceeded interrogate examine while latter under sedation hospital same occasion, given clothes wore time tragedy personal items them. Later afternoon Chief Eaton two officers interrogated some length, confronting evidence demanding explanations. Asked Officer Shotke take lie detector test, said would if reliable. replied 'infallible' 'you might well us all about now.' At end interrogation Sheppard: think killed your wife.' Still later physician sent permitted make detailed examination Until Coroner's inquest 22, which subpoenaed, made available frequent extended questioning without presence attorney. 4 7, Sheppard's funeral, newspaper story appeared Assistant County Attorney Mahon—later chief prosecutor Sheppard—sharply criticized refusal family permit immediate questioning. there headline stories repeatedly stressed lack cooperation officials. Under 'Testify Now In Death, Doctor Is Ordered,' one described visit Gerber four 8. insisted lawyer be present, wrote subpoena served him. agreed submit counsel torn up. questioned 9, request re-enacted before officers, group newsmen, who apparently invited Coroner. locked obliged wait outside arrived. performance reported detail news media along photographs. newspapers also played test 'the protective ring' thrown family. Front-page headlines announced 'Doctor Balks Lie Test; Retells Story.' A column opposite contained 'exclusive' interview headlined: "Loved My Wife, She Loved Mr,' Tells News Reporter.' day, another disclosed 'again late yesterday refused test' quoted 'at nin-hour I felt now ruling (a test) completely.' But subsequent articles still pushing test. More when allow authorities inject 'truth serum.'5 5 20th, 'editorial artillery' opened fire front-page charge 'getting away murder.' editorial attributed ineptness investigation 'friendships, relationships, hired lawyers, husband been subjected instantly third-degree any person similar circumstances * *.' 21, page-one headed: 'Why No Inquest? Do It Now, Gerber.' subpoenaed staged school gymnasium; presided Prosecutor advisor detectives bailiffs. front long table occupied reporters, radio personnel, broadcasting equipment. broadcast live microphones placed seat witness stand. swarm reporters photographers attended. brought searched full view hundred spectators. present during three-day participate. attempted place documents record, forcibly ejected received cheers, hugs, kisses ladies audience. five one-half hours actions night murder, married life, love affair Susan Hayes.6 'could' order grand jury, so. 6 Throughout this period emphasized tended incriminate pointed discrepancies statements authorities. time, public press feature asserting innocence.7 During 26, large type stated: 'Kerr (Captain Police) Urges Arrest.' story, Detective McArthur 'disclosed scientific tests definitely established killer washed trail blood section,' circumstance casting doubt accounts murder. such produced trial. delved life. Articles extramarital affairs motive crime. portrayed Lothario, fully explored relationship Hayes, named number women allegedly involved testimony never showed illicit relationships besides Hayes. 7 entitled Don't Police Quiz Top Suspect' demanded headquarters. language: 8 'Now proved oath liar, free business, shielded family, protected smart has monkeys authorities, carrying gun part left whatever pleases 9 30 asked: Isn't Sam Jail?' titled 'Quit Stalling—Bring Him In.' calling most unusual suspect ever seen around these parts' article '(e)xcept superficial Gerber's scot-free official grilling asserted 'surrounded iron curtain protection (and) concealment.' 10 That o'clock arrested father's Village City Hall where hundreds people, newscasters, awaiting arrival. arraigned—having denied temporary delay secure counsel—and bound jury. 11 grew intensity indictment August 17. Typical coverage entitled: 'DR. SAM: Wish There Was Something Could Get Off Chest—but Isn't." Unfavorable included cartoon sphinx head legend below: "I Will Everything Power Help Solve Terrible Murder.'—Dr. Sheppard.' Headlines announced, inter alia, that: Evidence Ready Jury,' 'Corrigan Tactics Stall Quizzing.' 'Sheppard 'Gay Set' Revealed By Houk,' 'Blood Found Garage,' 'New Murder Found, Claim,' 'Dr. Faces Jail Marilyn's Fear Of Him.' 18, Writes His Own And reproduced across entire page typed statement signed am guilty my Marilyn. How could I, trained help people devoted life saving commit terrible revolting crime?' further. are volumes filled clippings each three covering December 1954. record includes no excerpts newscasts since space reserved courtroom we assume equally large. II. 12 With background case weeks November general election candidate common pleas judge judge, Judge Blythin, succeed himself. Twenty-five days set, 75 veniremen prospective jurors. All published names addresses veniremen. consequence, anonymous letters telephone calls, calls regarding impending prosecution selection jury began October 13 measured 26 48 feet. set inside bar, single table. ran width courtroom, parallel bar railing, less than feet box. Approximately 20 representatives wire services assigned seats court. Behind railing rows benches. These likewise court row stations, second third out-of-town magazines. One side last row, accommodated 14 Marilyn's. fill vacancies special passes only. Representatives used floor, cases ordinarily Private lines telegraphic equipment installed reports speeded papers. Station WSRS facilities courthouse room, rested recesses deliberated. Newscasts throughout trial, reached its vardict. sidewalk steps courthouse, newsreel cameras occasionally motion pictures participants judge. Indeed, carried entered courthouse. corridors host personnel flash cameras, portable lights picture cameras. photographed jurors opened, witnesses, counsel, televised whenever courtroom. minutes session began; surrounded extensively television. rule prohibited picture-taking actual sessions court, restraints recesses, once afternoon, longer lunch. arrangements massive continued nine crowded capacity media. Their movement often caused much confusion that, despite loud-speaker system difficult witnesses heard. Furthermore, clustered within small confidential talk among almost impossible proceedings. frequently leave obtain privacy. times wished raise point necessary move chambers. Even then, packed anteroom hardly return chambers vied find discussed, matters accessible daily proceedings printed verbatim editions, objections rulings Pictures pertinent accompanied accounts. photographs exhibits introduced featured relevant testimony. 17 themselves constantly exposed Every juror, except one, testified voir dire reading papers having heard broadcasts it. Seven verdict more home; remaining point. Nor questions radios sets jurors' homes, must them owned conveniences. progressed, individual members daily. 40 alone. box, scene Another paper alternate juror. rendered—while lunch sequestered bailiffs—the separated groups pose newspapers. III. 18 reach conduct While intense unabated, sufficient relate only flagrant episodes: 19 1. defense counsel's random poll streets guilt innocence effort use resulting statistics show necessity change venue. survey 'smacks mass tampering,' drop it, stated association should characterized 'non-judicial, non-legal, nonsense.' attention action taken. 2. debate WHK radio. participants, accused throwing roadblocks way conceded hiring prominent criminal lawyer. objected requested continuance, motion. asked give events, 'WHK doesn't coverage,' '(a)fter all, trying means. confine ourselves seriously very best can.' 21 3. being selected, two-inch 'But Who Speak Marilyn?' frontpage spoke 'perfect face' accused. 'Study want. Never will hint answer brothers 'Prosperous, poised. sisters-in law. Smart, chic, well-groomed. elderly father. Courtly, reserved. perfect patriarch staunch clan.' author noted 'still stage,' child whose mother died young father interest case. author—through quotes James McArthur—assured readers prosecution's speak 'Her story,' stated, 'will come through our witnesses.' ends: 22 'Then realize how missing setting supplied. 23 'How Big Case justice done. 24 'Justice 25 'And 4. mentioned, viewed Hundreds cameramen onlookers there, representative accompany inspected jury's revealed far advance able rent helicopter fly taking tour. 27 5. 19, officer gave contradict details written Two later, Robert Considine likened perjurer compared episode Alger Hiss' confrontation Whittaker Chambers. Though ascertain broadcast, overruled continuance based ground, saying: 28 know, can't stop event, listening matter speech, control everybody. harass every morning. getting morning, suspecting confidence 6. 24, eight-column headline: 'Sam Called 'Jekyll-Hyde' Marilyn, Cousin To Testify.' recently friends Jekyll Hyde' character. announce: 'The 'bombshell witness' tap testify Sam's display fiery temper—countering claim defendant gently even disposition.' Defense motions venue, mistrial, denied. 29 7. seventh week, Walter Winchell WXEL WJW Carole Beasley, arrest New York robbery, mistress, borne child. queried broadcast. admitted open each: 'Would effect upon judgment?' Both replied, 'No.' accepted sufficient; merely 'pay scavenging. Let's please.' said: even, so, prevent those things, event? justify all. outrageous, sense, outrageous here. nothing Court's mind, outrage concerned, but— 'Mr. CORRIGAN: mind jurors, unless inquiry made. 31 COURT: ever, avoid kind thing?' 32 stand mistreated arrest. Although Captain Kerr Homicide Bureau issued denying allegations "Bare-faced Liar,' Says Sam.' 33 9. submitted deliberations, nights. verdict, ascertained allowed homes hotel. telephones rooms, phones bailiffs' rooms. themselves; kept numbers parties called. bailiffs sat hear conversation. instructed calls. motion, urged ground alone warranted new question. IV. 34 principle cannot survive behind walls silence reflected 'Anglo-American distrust secret trials.' re Oliver, 257, 268, 68 499, 92 L.Ed. 682 (1948). responsible always regarded handmaiden effective judicial administration, especially field. Its function regard documented impressive service centuries. does simply publish information trials guards against miscarriage subjecting prosecutors, processes extensive scrutiny criticism. has, unwilling direct limitations freedom traditionally exercised '(w)hat transpires property.' Craig v. Harney, 331 367, 374, 67 1249, 1254, 91 1546 (1947). 'unqualified prohibitions laid framers intended liberty broadest scope countenanced orderly society.' Bridges State California, 314 252, 265, 62 190, 195, 192 (1941). 'no threat menace integrity trial,' supra, 377, 1255, consistently required hand, though sometimes deplored sensationalism. 35 '(l)egal like elections, won meeting-hall, radio, newspaper.' 271, 197. punished crime 'a fairly tried tribunal prejudice, passion, excitement, tyrannical power.' Chambers Florida, 309 227, 236—237, 60 472, 477, 84 716 (1940). '.freedom discussion widest range compatible essential requirement administration justice.' Pennekamp 328 331, 347, 66 1029, 1037, 90 1295 (1946). divert 'very purpose adjudicate controversies, both civil, calmness solemnity according legal procedures.' Cox Louisiana, 379 559, 583, 85 466, 471, 487 (1965) (Black, J., dissenting). Among 'legal procedures' sources. Thus, Marshall States, 360 310, 79 1171, 1250 (1959), aside 'through accounts' prejudice material 'may indeed greater' 'for tempered 313, 1173. consider dispositive juror 'that influenced articles, decide petitioner result articles.' 312, Likewise, Irvin Dowd, 366 717, 81 1639, 751 (1961), indicated render impartial exposure holding: 36 'With stake, requiring too atmosphere undisturbed huge wave passion 728, S.Ct., 1645. undeviating expressed Holmes half century ago Patterson Colorado ex rel. General, 205 454, 462, 556, 558, 51 879 (1907): 38 theory conclusions induced argument influence, private print.' 39 Moreover, burden showing unfairness demonstrable reality,' Adams McCann, 317 269, 281, 63 236, 242, 87 268 (1942), need undertaken community 'repeatedly depth spectacle (the accused) personally confessing crimes charged.' Rideau 373 723, 726, 83 1417, 1419, 663 (1963). Turner 546, 424 (1965), key deputy sheriffs doubled shepherds deputies swore talked case, nonetheless 'even assumed discuss directly blinking reality recognize extreme inherent continual 473, 550. 41 Only Term Estes Texas, 381 532, 1628, 543 absence prejudice. there: 42 'It true involving claims due process deprivations require identifiable Nevertheless, procedure employed probability deemed inherently lacking process.' 542—543, 1632. 43 cited approval language Black Murchison, 349 133, 136, 623, 625, 99 942 (1955), 'our law endeavored unfairness.' V. 44 clear totality warrants approach. Unlike Estes, venue locale originated; nor sequestered. none contrary, newspaper, separate ways adequate directions read listen anything concerning 'admonitions' beginning representative: 45 suggest caution progress comments watch comments, insofar concerned. You feel better proceeds *. sure shall indulge progress. over, can heart's content 46 intervals repeated 'suggestions' 'requests' expose comment thrust role celebrities insulate photographers. See U.S., 545—546, 1634. numerous addresses, itself expressions cranks friends. fact aware threatened 47 nearly stations prosecution.8 stood indicted wife; penalty. For months virulent notorious. Charges countercharges aired addition, ended brawl. high gymnasium seating people. hotly contested Mahon Blythin candidates judgeships.9 say precautions influence pretrial alone, court's considered held. background, believe 'judicial serenity calm (he) entitled.' 536, 1629. bedlam reigned newsmen practically hounding few box staring notes. erection unprecedented. providing safe keep exhibits, confer privately client co-counsel. designed distractions, intrusions influences, bench discussions Having ability supervise environment. disruption reveals constant commotion bar. throng gathered absolute rein. Participants forced run gantlet total consideration privacy demonstrated assignment station above five-day deliberation. VI. 49 nature agree, Appeals, findings Bell's Ohio Supreme Court: 50 'Murder mystery, society, sex suspense combined manner intrigue captivate fancy degree perhaps unparalleled recent annals. preindictment investigation, skirmishes nine-week circulation-conscious editors catered insatiable bizarre. 'Roman holiday' media, life.' 165 St., 294, 135 N.E.2d, 342. save inflamed prejudiced public.10 52 Much stand, charges purposely impeded lawyer; perjurer; sexual relations women; slain 'Jekyll-Hyde'; bare-faced liar' treatment; finally, woman convict claimed illegitimate summarized interpreted evidence, devoting particular incriminated drew unwarranted inferences point, blood-stained pillow 'doctored' clearly alleged imprint surgical instrument. 53 deluge least occasion queried, highly inflammatory prison inmate Despite extent requests specific incidents previously summarized. circumstances, Commonwealth Crehan, 345 Mass. 609, 188 N.E.2d 923 VII. 54 fundamental error compounded holding lacked power inception neither anyone else restrict reiterated occasions. Since target, means utilized reduce appearance influence. conclude procedures guarantee sanctions recalcitrant bias judge.11 55 carnival easily avoided limited apparent otherwise disadvantaged.12 Bearing publicity, adopted stricter rules governing requested. sign disrupt certainly closely regulated instance, belatedly handle photograph recesses. 56 Secondly, insulated witnesses. interviewed will, instances typical example publication barred press. completely nullified imposition rule. 547, 1635. 57 Thirdly, release leads, information, gossip sides. thus inaccurate, leading groundless rumors confusion.13 responsibility respect may warning Steve accused's attempt discredit prosecution. jury: 58 'Now, wants word. told—he all—but informed privilege making rather uncomplimentary State. 59 'Let understood wishes here, appreciates deny avail method trial.' 61 tremendous amount 'misrepresented entirely testimony' warned check accuracy obvious further sought alleviate problem imposing officers. offered 'evidence' disseminated fashion inadmissible. exclusion meaningless public. example, Coroner.14 personality witness. given. report tap' 'fiery temper' emanated clues record.15 traced prosecution, defense, aggravates action. Stroble 343 181, 201, 72 599, 96 872 (1952) (Frankfurter, Effective sources—concededly power—might prevented divulgence inaccurate rumors, accusations indictment. specifically, proscribed extrajudicial lawyer, party, witness, divulged matters, tests; officials; identity probable testimony; belief innocence; merits Van Duyne, N.J., 369, 389, 204 A.2d 841, 852 (1964), Canon Bar Association's Canons Professional Ethics prohibit statements. Being advised great press, potential impact appropriate city county promulgate regulation dissemination employees.16 stories, impropriety publishing notice events complaint p. 346, supra. manner, interference added corresponding curtailment Had first, soon learned task reporting unfolded courtroom—not 64 coming here note unfair pending become increasingly prevalent. requires influences. Given pervasiveness modern communications difficulty effacing minds courts strong measures ensure balance weighed appellate tribunals duty independent evaluation circumstances. course, proscribes transpire reasonable likelihood prior continue abates, transfer permeated publicity. sequestration raised sua sponte counsel. If threatens fairness ordered. remember reversals palliatives; cure lies remedial inception. interferences. Neither accused, staff enforcement jurisdiction frustrate function. Collaboration between affecting regulation, censurable worthy disciplinary measures. 65 fulfill saturated disruptive influences denial petition. remanded instructions issue released custody puts time. BLACK dissents. convicted 1954 Common Pleas Cuyahoga County, Ohio. affirmed 100 App. 345, 128 471 Court, St. 293, 340 (1956). certiorari original review. 352 910, 77 118, 119 whom narrated experiences differ description various details. vagueness perception sudden awakening, dimness light, loss suffering severe pain swollen eye, shock. access premises. possible suspects 'cleared' tests. persons understand why innocent man refuse heavily initially lied calculated evoke sympathy printed, son jail. unfavorable Many attracted nationally famous commentators well. commencement postponed impaneled. Voir exception selected Since, however, seen, motions. Without dimensions issuance writ, short alleviated elections. Delaney 199 107, 115 (C.A.1st. Cir. 1952), recognized 'if assurance necessitate election, that.' include: courts. Those carefully propriety verdict. everyone agrees defendant, area, miracle.' Harrison, vs. Courts,' Saturday Review (Oct. 15, 1955). 'At distance, miles looks sensationalized ask freedom, excess, interfere Editorial, Toledo Blade (Dec. 1954). unsworn statement, status deposition, years six Blythin's death, Dorothy Kilgallen her: 'It's shut hell.' infected argument, chance hearing. awareness manifest complicated uncovered. inferred 'stalled' hid denounced 'mass tampering' efforts gather publications. counterattacks fuel but, preclude Putting officials, Sheppards, 'would effect.' Cf. Report President's Commission Assassination President Kennedy, 239. declined instruction results inadmissible event. obligation 'to test.' Such 'premature disclosure weighing evidence' jeopardize defendant's '(N)either contemporaneously prosecuting accumulated (Sheppard).' Commission, 239, 240. Department Justice, York, governmental agencies regulations. E.g., CFR § 50.2 (1966). topic see periodic publications (e.g., Nos. 71, 124, 158) Freedom Information Center, School Journalism, University Missouri.

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