Document: 416 U.S. 663 94 S.Ct. 2080 40 L.Ed.2d 452 Astol CALERO-TOLEDO, Superintendent of Police, et al., Appellants,v.PEARSON YACHT LEASING CO. No. 73—157. Argued Jan. 7, 1974. Decided May 15, Rehearing Denied June 17, See 417 977, 3187. Syllabus A pleasure yacht, which appellee had leased to Puerto Rican residents, was seized, pursuant statutes providing for forfeiture vessels used unlawful purposes, without prior notice or the lessees and a adversary hearing, after authorities discovered marihuana aboard her. Appellee neither involved in nor aware lessee's wrongful use yacht. then brought suit challenging constitutionality statutory scheme. three-judge District Court, relying principally on Fuentes v. Shevin, 407 67, 92 1983, 32 556, held that statutes' failure provide preseizure hearing rendered them unconstitutional that, as applied forfeit appellee's interest they unconstitutionally deprived an innocent party property just compensation. Held: 1. The Rico are 'State statute(s)' purposes Three-Judge Court Act, hence court properly convened under Act direct appeal this proper 28 U.S.C. § 1253. Pp. 669—676. 2. This case presents 'extraordinary' situation postponement until seizure did not deny due process, since (1) serves significant governmental by permitting assert rem jurisdiction over proceedings, thereby fostering public preventing continued illicit enforcing criminal sanctions; (2) might frustrate interests served statutes, seized often being sort, here, could be removed from jurisdiction, destroyed, concealed, if advance were given; (3), unlike supra, is initiated self-interested private parties but government officials. 676—680. 3. Statutory schemes because their applicability innocents, here further punitive deterrent validly 680—690. 363 F.Supp. 1337, reversed. Lynn R. Coleman appellants. Gustavo A. Gelpi, San Juan, P.R., appellee. Mr. Justice BRENNAN delivered opinion Court. 1 question presented whether Constitution violated application appellee, lessor when yacht allegedly lessee purpose, act resulted forfeiture. 2 In March 1971, Pearson Yacht Leasing Co., two residents. board early 1972, charged one with violation Controlled Substances Rico, P.R.Laws Ann., Tit. 24, 2101 seq. (Supp.1973). On July 11, Police §§ 2512(a)(4), (b) (Supp.1973),1 34, 1722 (1971),2 transport, facilitate transportation of, controlled substances, including marihuana, subject Commonwealth Rico. vessel either hearing. lessees, who registered Ports Authority Commonwealth, thereafter given within 10 days seizure, required 1722(a).3 But challenge made 15 service notice, forfeited official Government 1722(c).4 shortly first learned attempting repossess apparent pay rent. It conceded 'in no way . enterprise carried (the) lessee' 'had knowledge its connection (Puerto Law).' 3 November 6, filed suit, seeking declaration (b), 1722, denied it process law insofar authorized appellants, Chief Office Transportation seize compensation.5 Injunctive relief also sought. 4 Court,6 upon 556 (1972), constitutionally defective. 1342—1343 (PR 1973). Viewing United States Coin & Currency, 401 715, 91 1041, 434 (1971), having effectively overruled our decisions owner's innocence has constitutional significance forfeiture, declared F.Supp., at 1341—1342. Appellants accordingly enjoined 'insofar owner person charge opportunity lack before penalty imposed parties.' Id., 1343—1344. We noted probable jurisdiction. 414 816, 69, 38 48 (1973). reverse. 5 * Although consented convening do decide appeal, we nevertheless may entertain 12537 unless 2281.8 therefore turn question. 6 Stainback Mo Hock Ke Lok Po, 336 368, 69 606, 93 L.Ed. 741 (1949), enactments Territory Hawaii Judicial Code 266, predecessor 2281, reasoning: 7 'While, course, great respect paid territorial legislature all courts adjudications courts, predominant reason enactment 266 does exist ad respects territories. congressional purpose avoid unnecessary interference laws sovereign state. dual system government, position state matters ruled requires deference legislative action beyond territory. territory regulation.' U.S., 377—378, S.Ct., 611 (footnotes omitted) (emphasis added). 8 Similar reasoning—that insulating State's single judge would furthered broadly interpreting word 'State'—led Appeals First Circuit some 55 years ago hold inapplicable Benedicto West India Panama Tel. 256 F. (1919). 9 Congress, however, created decided. Following Spanish-American War, ceded country Treaty Spain, 30 Stat. 1754 (1889). brief interlude military control followed series Organic Acts island. Initially these established local structure high officials appointed President. These retained veto power President Congress legislation. By 1950, pressures greater autonomy led Pub.L. 600, 64 319, offered people compact whereby establish own constitution. accepted compact, 3, 1952, approved, minor amendments, constitution adopted populace, 66 327; see note accompanying 731d. Pursuant now 'elects Governor legislature; appoints judges, cabinet officials, lesser executive branch; sets educational policies; determines budget; amends civil code.' Leibowitz, Federal Law 56 Geo.L.J. 219, 221 (1967); Dept. State Bull. 584—589 (1953); Americana Inc. Kaplus, 368 F.2d 431 (CA3 1966); Magruder, Status U.Pitt.L.Rev. (1953). changes Rico's formed backdrop Judge Magruder's observations Mora Mejias, 206 377 (CA1 1953): 11 '(I)t Rico—'El Estado Libre Asociado de Rico' Spanish version organized body politic constitution, terms accepted, meaning 2281. preamble refers Commonwealth. exercise natural rights, (the Rico) create union America.' thus become federal Union like States, seem have common word. Cf. Texas White, 1868, Wall. 700, 721, 74 19 227. political entity consent joined America compact. 12 'A serious argument intendment policy If really 'constitution'—as says is, 327,—and another approved enacted deemed 'sovereign Constitution' 'State' enactment, prescribing district court, expresses 'a territory' (Stainback 378, 611—612.) whose affairs F.2d, 387—388 (footnote omitted). 13 Lower 1953 anaylsis concluded Act. D.C., 115 610 1953);9 Marin University 346 470, 481 1972); Suarez Administrator del Deporte Hipico 354 320 1972). And Wackenhut Corp. Aponte, 386 268, 87 1017, 18 37 (1967), summarily affirmed decision ordered abstention said: 14 '(A)pplication doctrine particularly appropriate involv(ing) construction validity statute For regard status dictates, believe, should primary through determine intended scope legislation pass well States.' 401, 405 (1966). 2881 raised Jurisdictional Statement Motion Affirm Wackenhut, normally feel ourselves bound sub silentio Hagans Lavine, 415 528, 535 n. 5, 1372, 1377, 39 577 (1974); More, Cranch 159, 172, 397 (1805), cases, 'where responsibility (is) rule followed,' unexplained take added significance. 379—380, 612—613. so, supporting judgment exercised appellate expressed view reasons comity, oft-repeated justification doctrine, see, e.g., Railroad Comm'n Pullman 312 496, 500, 61 643, 645, 85 971 (1941),10 principal underpinning Steffel Thompson, 452, 465—466, 1209, 505 (1974). 16 While still 2281 measure broad social construed liberality,' Phillips 246, 251, 480, 483, 800 (1941), believe judicial practice treating serves, expand, statute,11 Accordingly, merits. II 17 Court's holding omission 2512(b), incorporates provisions They argue those "extraordinary situations' justify postponing hearing.' 90, 1999; Sniadach Family Finance Corp., 395 337, 339, 89 1820, 1821, 23 349 (1969); Boddie Connecticut, 371, 378—379, 780, 786—787, 113 (1971). agree.12 relied primarily supra. Florida Pennsylvania replevin creditors goods wrongfully detained. writ obtained creditor's bare assertion clerk he entitled property, statute, filing affidavit fixing value alleging legal entitlement property. procedures debtors failing hearings "at meaningful time." 80, 1994. reaffirmed, limited circumstances, immediate interest, permissible. Such circumstances 20 'the been directly necessary secure important general interest. Second, there special need very prompt action. Third, kept strict monopoly legitimate force: initiating responsible determining, standards narrowly drawn justified particular instance.' 91, 2000. 21 Thus, example, protect contaminated food, North American cold Storage Co. Chicago, 211 306, 29 101, 53 195 (1908); bank failure, Coffin Bros. Bennett, 277 29, 422, 72 768 (1928); misbranded drugs, Ewing Mytinger Casselberry, Inc., 339 594, 70 870, 1088 (1950); aid collection taxes, Commissioner, 283 589, 51 608, 75 1289 (1931); war effort, Pfitsch, 547, 41 569, 65 1084 (1921). 22 considerations cases present here. First, purposes: Seizure permits order conduct proceedings,13 sanctions. seized—as yacht—will sort warning confiscation given. finally, Fuentes, parties; rather, statutes.14 process.15 III next erred taking parties' urge long line principle not—contrary Court—overrule precedents silentio. agree. historical background sustaining lead conclusion. 24 At inanimate object indirectly causing accidental death King's Crown deodand.16 origins deodand traceable Biblical17 pre-Judeo-Christian practices, reflected instrument accused religious expiation required. O. Holmes, Common Law, c. (1881). King, belief King money Masses said good dead man's soul, insure put charitable uses. W. Blackstone, Commentaries *300.18 When eleemosynary ceased, became source revenue, institution carelessness.19 25 Forfeiture conviction felonies treason. convicted felon his chattels lands escheated lord; traitor real personal, Crown. Holdsworth, History English 68—71 (3d ed. 1927); Pollock Maitland, 351 (2d 1909). basis forfeitures breach offense peace, felt denial right *299.20 26 addition, provided offending objects customs revenue laws—likely product confluence merger tradition wrongdoer. most enforced procedure utilized Exchequer felons. *261—262; C. J. Hendry Moore, 318 133, 137—138, 63 499, 501—502, (1943). 27 Deodands part common-law country. Parker-Harris Tate, 135 Tenn. 509, 188 S.W. 54 (1916). Nor estates consequence permitted, 3563; Rev.Stat. 5326 (1874); 117 (1790). resulting treason proscribed Art. III, though lifetime sanctioned, Wallach Van Riswick, 202, 473 (1876). '(l)ong adoption Colonies—and later states during period Confederation—were exercising enforcement (English local) statutes,' 139, 503, commodities violations laws. id., 145—148, 505—507; Boyd 116 616, 623, 524, 746 (1886). almost immediately Constitution, ships cargoes offenses law,21 deliver slaves foreign countries,22 somewhat country.23 abated; contemporary reach virtually any type enterprise. Despite proliferation enactments, uniformly rejected defense. Story observed Palmyra, Wheat. 1, 531 (1827), piracy prerequisite proceeding ship engaged piratical aggression statute: 'It known, law, many felonies, crown. not, strictly speaking, attach rem; part, least consequence, conviction. .. (T)he (Crown's chattels) attached only offender. never seizures forfeitures, rem, cognizable side Exchequer. thing considered offender, rather offence thing; this, malum prohibitum, se been, so understand be, stands independent wholly unaffected personam.' 14—15, 531. rationale sustain found where 'fully established.' Brig Malek Adhel, How. 210, 238, 239 (1844). 'treated offender,' conduct, 'as adequate means suppressing wrong, insuring indemnity injured party.' 233, 239.24 31 Dobbins's Distillery 96 395, 637 (1878), illustration how severely applied. That personal distillery. lessor's assertions defense entire 'attached distillery, same, whatsoever misconduct owner, what necessarily arises fact distiller, suffered occupied distillery.' 637; Stowell, 133 13—14, 244, 33 555 (1890). Decisions reaching same conclusion into century. Goldsmith-Grant 254 505, 189, 376 (1921), taxfraud deprive Fifth Amendment. There, claimant conditional vendor taxicab removal concealment distilled spirits tax unpaid. recognizing arguments against cover force, them, saying: 'In breaches provisions, forms facilities, said, interposes care owners prohibitions ascribing certain personality, complicity guilt wrong. such analogy chattel cause reasonable creature forfeited. To superstitious ascribed, Blackstone adds: 'That misfortunes owing negligence therefore, punishable forfeiture.' 34 'But forfeiture) artificial real, too firmly fixed remedial jurisprudence displaced.' 510—511, 191, 376. 35 One Ford Coupe Automobile, 272 321, 47 154, 71 279 (1926) (Brandeis, J.); General Motors Acceptance 286 49, 52 468, 76 (1932) (Cardozo, J.). Oster Kansas, 465, (1926), upheld , Fourteenth Amendment attack, automobile entrusted alleged inquiry dispensed with, held, lawmakers, police power, free uses undesirable secondary forbidden ..' 467, 134. 36 Plainly, sufficient uphold, challenge, other innocents.25 conveyances used—and again—in narcotics fosters underlying both conveyance imposing economic penalty, rendering illegal behavior unprofitable. See, H.R.Rep.No.1054, 76th Cong., 1st Sess. (1939); S.Rep.No.926, H.R.Rep.No.2751, 81st 2d S.Rep.No.1755, (1950).26 extent lessors, bailors, secured wrongdoing, desirable effect inducing transferring possession 1936 Model V—8 DeLuxe Coach, 307 238 241, 59 861, 870—871, 83 1249 (1939) (Douglas, J., dissenting). Against squarely collide violation, opposed reliance misplaced. claimed privilege self-incrimination asserted 7302 him bookmaking operation. Government's view, 'criminal' money. answer 7302, read conjunction 1618, manifested clear intention 'to impose (were) significantly enterprise,' 721 722, 1045, circumstance whom taken. Currency overrule sustained innocents persons 'significantly enterprise.' say, 'broad sweep' remarked give rise questions. Marshall intimated much century half observing can prescribed prevention employed.' Peisch Ware, 347, 363, 643 (1808). implied difficult reject claim subjected taken privity consent. 364, 643; 512, 191; 333, 158; van Similarly, proved uninvolved unaware activity, done reasonably expected prevent property;27 for, circumstance, conclude unduly oppressive. Armstrong 364 40, 80 1563, 1569, 1554 (1960). voluntarily lesses allegation proof company use. Goldblatt Town Hempstead, 369 590, 596, 82 987, 991, 130 (1962). Reversed. STEWART joins Parts I opinion, but, stated dissenting DOUGLAS, belonging nonnegligent violates Amendments. 42 WHITE, POWELL joins, concurring. 43 join agree necessity Fuentas accord owner-lessor case. add, presence dispensing instant case, situations Mitchell Grant, 1895, 406; Arnett Kennedy, 134, 1633, (White concurring). 44 part. 45 dissent 46 discovery took place 1972. 1972—over months later. delay making 'special action' emphasized 2000, 556? cites instances exigent circumstance—seized poisoned dangerous bank, like. inapt. contest between debtor creditor resolution rights implicated purpose. Here involved. As Fuentes: 'First, each instance. allowed summary collect internal meet needs national disaster drugs food.' 91—92, Postponement apparently needed held. Yet two-month delay, compensation taking. premises classic procedural process. 49 record us knowing using illegally. analogize old felons peculiarly inappropriate. cahoots' smuggling venture negligent way. even innocent. 365, 643: '(T)he understood consignees, account mere strangers, consignees control.' 50 was, stranger. 238—239, dissenting), suggestion strawman runners drugs. Even ambiguous refused auto running whiskey acted faith negligence.' 236, 870. extreme hardship. 'did know completely act. After time (of Police) notified lessee. Plaintiff and, post bond, plaintiff attempted recover defaulted rental payments 1340. Moreover, included lease prohibition project. notoriously equity side. showing made; far cigarette deal trivia harsh judge-made tempered justice. realize ancient founded fiction itself guilty wrongdoing. 719—720, 1043 1044, 434. traditional cannot times reconciled requirements 1044. one. Some mandatory, title vesting forfeiting occurs. 19, 248, 555. Others conditional, occurring follows procedures. 1958 Plymouth Sedan Pennsylvania, 380 693, 699, 1246, 1250, 170. exclude scope, consenting privy.' 1594. discretionary administrative incurred willful violate specified laws, 3617(b); 1249. provision mitigation And, says, absolute, mandatory supported dicta cases. my 'for use' Amendment, Fourteenth, must owner. Where project, paying I, remand findings yacht—whether magnitude notoriety faultless remaining ignorant occurrence. deodands* severe day Deodands, Mag. 188—191 (1845). Its severity juries Bench, 191. 'greater moderation' jurors light moral incurring penalty,' 190, example follow deodands obtain (cf. 190—191, 376; Coupe, 158, 279), quality mercy stranger Hecht Bowles, 321 329—330, 587, 591—592, 88 754; Wiltberger, 76, 95, 37. Title 2512(a)(4) provide: '(a) following shall Rico: '(4) All conveyances, aircraft, vehicles, mount vessels, used, use, manner transportation, sale, receipt, possession, described clauses subsection; '(b) Any clause (4) subsection (a) section issued 39, 4, 1960, amended, known Uniform Vehicle, Mount, Vessel Plane sections 1721 34.' provides: 'Whenever vehicle, mount, plane conducted follows: proceedings begun Secretary Justice, Treasury Superintendent, delegates, policemen peace officers. officer authority serve thereof therein, appraisal properties authentic manner, ten (10) mailing return receipt requested. owners, charge, fifteen (15) complaint made, served, Part Superior corresponding heard subjection docket. questions arise decided ordinary entered remedy lie than certiorari Supreme issues law. herein jurisdictional availing authorized. Every appraised soon place, delegate, exception motor placed custody appraise thereof. event shall, request parties, reasonableness incident challenge. 'Within bond favor pertinent court's satisfaction amount assessed tender, certified check, hypothecary debentures, insurance companies. Upon acceptance returned paragraphs (c), (d) (e) apply. 'When subsequent substitution lieu lawfulness latter upheld, effect, execution covering funds tender check; debentures companies transmitted execution. '(c) elapsed (sic) twenty-five (25) directed given, delegate thereof, Transportation, sale auction set aside sold Government, destroyed setting forth minute draw up description destruction date copy Justice. '(d) auction, proceeds covered fund deducting reimbursing expenses incurred. '(e) judicially challenged declares illegal, presentation final challenger whichever sum highest, plus thereon rate 6% per annum, counting seizure.' 23, 451(e), 451b, 451c, 'operate permission operation of' waters registering vessel. Only '(f)rom disposed (postseizure) fact, given.' 1342 ruling. agreed $19,800, purports maintain Unconstitutionality Fornaris Ridge Tool 400 41, 43—44, 156, 157—158, 174 (1970), Joint Resolution approving subjects applicable States,' 327, 'there flag untrammeled guaranteed 377, 382 1953) (Magruder, C.J.). 737. initially arguing abstain. appellants withdrew opposition court. 'Except otherwise granting denying, interlocutory permanent injunction cvil action, determined three judges.' (Emphasis added.) 'An restraining enforcement, commission acting granted ground unconstitutionality therefor judges 2284 tile.' quoted statement Nations explaining cease transmission information concerning 73(e) Charter, communication technical countries administering territories yet attained full self-government, 612: "By various actions have, freedom administration, compliance Relations acts authorizing interpreted decision. Those repealed." 584, 587 cf. Note, Rico; Colony Commonwealth? N.Y.U.J.Int'l L. P. H. Friendly, Jurisdiction: View militate holding. statute' 1254(2), appeals judgments unconstitutional. 1258, requiring permit reviewed certiorari, corresponded 1257 review 'state' courts. Since parallel 1254(2) unconstitutional, 'Whether accident design, dictates expansive interpretation 'State." 157. seems compelled history close relationship 1257. Judiciary 1789, 73, 85—86, challenges error. Mfg. City Council Augusta, 100, 489, 801 (1928). 1925, 'final' circuit 1157 (1911). consideration amendment 1924 1925 '(a)ttention disparity want obligatory (decisions involving statutes) existence similar class Senator Copeland rehearsed Senate correspondence point urged level better withdraw solely allow proposed discrimination deciding 'would more likely preserve issue approval.' However, prevailed met allowing error statute. advanced new development 1789 highest states. Due jealous claims, lain denied. Now, claims right, allowed. Thereby, 'intended perfect parity, conditions exactly except reversed, entirely harmonious." Frankfurther Landis, Business 277—278 (1928) background, 1258 counterpart 1257, reading absence amendment. occasion address 1343, complaint. agreement, incorporated, fairly read, leave little doubt matter controversy exceeds $10,000 1331. result injury constituted contend, gave exclusive nonpossessory adequately protected postseizure provides lessees' inter alia, arrears rent default entitling possession. Whether occurred record, although attempt October Since, context determination immediate, unexercised, merely rents, together reversionary require seizure. 86—87, 1997—1998, (1972). Ownbey Morgan, 94, 433, 837 cited approval 1999. expressly distinguished search warrant replevin: generally highly need—e.g., apprehension criminals—rather advantage transaction. demanding danger obvious will destroy hide evidence fruits crime notice. Fourth guarantees warrants conclusory party. abdicate issuance cause.' 93—94, 30, 2001. probable-cause statutes. No form satisfied requirements. Notice, "reasonably calculated' apprise company) pendency proceedings.' Robinson Hanrahan, 409 38, 31, Deodand derives Latin Deo dandum, 'given God.' Exodus 21:28 ('(i)f ox gore man woman, die, stoned flesh eaten'). M. Hale, Pleas 419, 423—424 (1st Am. 1847); 1909); 188, 189 (1845); Finkelstein, Goring Ox: Historical Perspectives Forfeitures, Wrongful Death Western Notion Sovereignty, Temp.L.Q. 169, 182 18, 424. Indeed, abolition England 1846, Vict. 62, went hand passage Lord Campbell's creating death, (1846). Passage bills linked, Campbell unwilling eliminate institution, tendency deter carelessness, railroads, survivors. 77 Hansard's Parliamentary Debates, Third Series 1031 170—171. adaptation function deterrence phenomenon discussed Holmes: 'The customs, beliefs, primitive formula. course centuries custom, belief, disappears, remains. forgotten, ingenious minds themselves inquire accounted for. thought explain reconcile things; adapts it, enters career. receives content, modifies fit received.' 1870, eliminated 23. 12, 36, 47; Aug. 1790, 13, 22, 27, 28, 157, 161, 163, 176. Mar. 1794, 347. 2, 1807, 426. Thirty earlier, quantity coffee transferred bona fide purchasers Non-Intercourse 1809, reasoning '(i)n eternal struggle exists avarice, enterprize combinations individuals hand, administration other, enable carry legislature.' 1960 Bags Coffee, 398, 405, 602 (1814). unimportant differences, 2512(a) (Supp.1973) modeled 881(a). them: paragraph (2), that— '(A) carrier transaction business appear privy subchapter chapter; '(B) committed omitted while unlawfully State. .' exceptions contained subparagraphs (A) (B) specific recognized Branela, P.R.R. 701 (1943); Metro Taxicabs, Treasurer 73 164 (1952); 687 (1967). help compensate efforts methods obtaining security subsequently penalties fines. Lot Emperald Cut Stones 232, 237, 493, 438 sought mitigate harshness felony forfeitures. restitution available individual stolen thief crown thief's 165—166; 280 1927). Mitigation less formalized: authorities, always moderation, penalty. Our ancestors fully perceived hardship inflicting indeed offence; purely accident, imposed, nominal fine, contact occasioned death.' 190. 1970 ameliorative policy—first England, Morris, Wheat, 293—295, 314 (1825)—of remissions mitigations 'without negligence' intent commit offense. 122, (1790); 506 (1797); 5292—5293 1618; Laura, 114 411, 414—415 (1885); 881(a), model disputed 25, remission 1618. 881(d). Regulations implementing 1618 petitioner produce acquired parting violator reputation commercial crime. CFR 171.13(a). extended mortgages sales contracts. 171.13(b). 3617(b), establishing relating liquor. starting related dandum (to God) God, say Church, king, expended soul.' 24.

Category: 1