Document: 469 U.S. 70 105 S.Ct. 479 83 L.Ed.2d 472 Jose GARCIA and Francisco Garcia, Petitioners,v.UNITED STATES. No. 83-6061. Argued Oct. 10, 1984. Decided Dec. Rehearing Denied Feb. 19, 1985. See 1230, 1235. Syllabus For assaulting an undercover Secret Service agent with a loaded pistol, in attempt to rob him of $1,800 Government "flash money" that the was using buy counterfeit currency from them, petitioners were convicted violating 18 U.S.C. § 2114, which proscribes assault robbery any custodian "mail matter or money other property United States." The Court Appeals affirmed convictions over petitioners' contention 2114 is limited crimes involving Postal Service. Held: language "any States" includes belonging States entrusted as money," thus by pistol effort fell squarely within prohibitions statute. Pp. 73-80. (a) "Mail matter," "money," "other property" are separated one another use disjunctive "or." This means word "money" must be given its ordinary, separate meaning does not mean "postal "money custody postal employees." P. 73. (b) There no ambiguity But even if there were, particular here lend itself application ejusdem generis rule so require reading general terms following matter" specific, restricted context. term more specific term—and probably less specific—than "money." 75-78. (c) legislative history shows intent Congress limit statute crimes. 78-79. (d) fact Solicitor General prior case presenting identical issue conceded only applied crimes, concession he now states unwarranted, relieve this responsibility interpret Congress' enacting 2114. 718 F.2d 1528 (CA 11, 1983) affirmed. Charles G. White, for petitioners, pro hac vice, special leave Court. Jerrold J. Ganzfried, respondent. Justice REHNQUIST delivered opinion 1 Petitioners assaulted them. They Eleventh Circuit convictions, their 1983). We granted certiorari, 466 926, 104 1706, 80 180 (1984), resolve split Circuits concerning reach 2114,1 we affirm. 2 Agent K. David Holmes posed someone interested purchasing currency. He met Garcia park Miami, Fla. agreed sell large quantity currency, asked show them genuine intended give exchange. "flashed" had been States, they showed sample wares—a $50 bill. 3 Wrangling agreement began, leapt front brandishing semi-automatic pistol. pointed at Holmes, assumed combat stance, chambered round into demanded money. While slowly raised his hands head, three agents who watching afar raced scene on foot. dropped surrendered, but seized fled. arrested spot, pursued later well. 4 jury trial lawful money, "rob, steal, purloin" That section full: 5 "Whoever assaults person having charge, control, mail rob, purloin such matter, robs shall first offense, imprisoned than ten years; effecting attempting effect wounds mail, puts life jeopardy dangerous weapon, subsequent twenty-five years." 6 Both sentenced 25-year prison mandated when custodian's weapon.2 On appeal judgments conviction. before us certiorari whether case. 7 Section prohibits control States. . ." (emphasis supplied). contend notwithstanding language, "postal" covered 8 enacted contrary argument. protects custodians and, catchall phrase, property. As our recent Lewis v. 445 55, 100 915, 63 198 (1980), "[n]othing face suggests congressional coverage persons [employed Service]." Id., 60, S.Ct., 918. 9 classes protected each conjunction Canons construction indicate connected manner meanings. FCC Pacifica Foundation, 438 726, 739-740, 98 3026, 3035, 57 1073 (1978). In Reiter Sonotone Corp., 442 330, 99 2326, 60 931 (1979), refused ignore statutory would presumed similar stating "or" indicates nouns separate, normal 339, 2331. case, disjunctive, think meaning; it 10 ambiguous, support offer what seems rather labyrinthine explanation language. claim cannot properly read totally types listed prohibition; indeed strictly separates property, proscribe because modified "of follows "property." Thus have law, say proscribing whomever owned, "Congress then Federal without jurisdictional basis." Reply Brief 3. Because could absurd result, contend, contention, however, ignores "other" referred to, like 11 develop argument invoking principle analysis creates. Under principle, course, where words follow enumeration terms, apply items those specifically enumerated. Harrison PPG Industries, Inc., 446 578, 588, 1889, 1895, 64 525 (1980). urge term, therefore conclude property." 12 said " ' "the generis, while firmly established, instrumentality ascertaining correct uncertainty." Ibid., quoting Powell, 423 87, 91, 96 316, 319, 46 228 (1975), turn Gooch 297 124, 128, 56 395, 397, L.Ed. 522 (1936). persuaded creates plain words, did do lends rule. previously noted question made distinct disjunctive; addition, 13 Notwithstanding contrary, satisfied deal has unambiguous meaning. additional tool analysis, recognition most extraordinary showing intentions data justify limitation "plain meaning" When find unambiguous, judicial inquiry complete, except 'rare exceptional circumstances,' TVA Hill, 437 153, 187, n. 33, 2279, 2298, 117 (1978), Crooks Harrelson, 282 51 49, 50, 75 156 (1930). 14 genesis law protect carriers matter. forerunner 320 (1934 ed., Supp. V). It proscribed matter." placed Chapter Title Code. entitled "Offenses Against Service." 1935, 74th amended appending after clause "or retained place until 1948, transferred 103, "Robbery Burglary" contains all federal statutes covering Act June 25, ch. 645, 62 Stat. 797. renumbered 2114; exception minor particulars text remained unchanged since 1935 amendment. 15 amendment expand beyond rely some short colloquies House floor describe "snippets." 16 surveying repeatedly stated authoritative source finding Legislature's lies Committee Reports bill, "represen[t] considered collective understanding Congressmen involved drafting studying proposed legislation." Zuber Allen, 396 168, 186, 90 314, 324, 24 345 (1969). eschewed reliance passing comments Member, Weinberger Rossi, 456 35, 102 1510, 1517, 71 715 (1982), casual statements debates. O'Brien, 391 367, 385, 88 1673, 1683, 20 672 (1968); Consumer Product Safety Comm'n GTE Sylvania, 447 102, 108, 2051, 2056, 766 supra, U.S., "more authoritative" floor, expressed preference Zuber, 325.3 17 bill part words. Report amend "SAFEGUARDING CUSTODIANS OF GOVERNMENT MONEYS AND PROPERTY" "[t]he purpose pending bring provisions Penal Code crime robbing moneys." H.R.Rep. 582, Cong., 1st Sess., (1935). Senate "PROVIDING FOR PUNISHMENT THE CRIME ROBBING OR ATTEMPTING TO ROB PROPERTY," exactly Report. S.Rep. 1440, Nowhere state required nexus" make good both contain letter Postmaster General, requesting enactment official's letter, says nothing about limiting broad instead speaks simply "custodian[s] funds," "mail." 1; supra 1. two places General's designed punish "robbing Ibid. Postmaster, Committees responsible legislation, gave evidence belief 19 heavily statement Representative Dobbins, whom dissent identifies manager, Representatives May 24, 1935. Dobbins stated: "The extend protection present officials. [L]et me many stations great amount little mail. 79 Cong.Rec. 8205 21 number flaws Dobbins' clear proof intent. First, snippet quotes out above-quoted response objection Member mandatory penalty favor scope best light objection. ibid. To permit alter undermines Congress. Regan Wald, 468 222, 237, 82 171 (1984). Russello 464 16, 296, 78 (1983). Isolated "not impressive history." 325. If Wolcott earlier same colloquy "[t]his confined law-enforcement officers," Cong.Rec., 8205, seem counterbalance import statement. lose adopt type reverse parol rule, oral elevated above determining 22 strongest may although themselves such, set forth Second Reid, 517 953 amplified dissenting colleagues today. certainly persuasive power, perhaps controlling substantial enacted. ambiguity. willing narrow criminal basis gestalt judgment intended. 23 final assert vindicated stipulation Hanahan, 649 (CA7 1971), vacated remanded, 414 807, 94 169, 38 43 (1973). faced presented here, remanded crimes.4 Hanahan unwarranted. NLRB Iron Workers, 434 335, 351, 651, 660, 54 586 governmental agency "is disqualified changing mind" also Barrett 212, 498, 503, 450 (1976). Moreover, private agreements between litigants, especially disowned, performance function. irrespective respondent's views. "[T]he proper administration left merely [the] parties." Young 315 257, 259, 510, 511, 86 832 (1942). agree ill-advised, seek clip despite answer write way." Russello, 23, 300.5 Instead, selected penalized robberies anyone 25 26 ordered. 27 STEVENS, BRENNAN MARSHALL join, dissenting. 28 literal produce result "demonstrably odds drafters," actual disposition. Griffin Oceanic Contractors, 458 564, 571, 3245, 3250, 73 973 (1982). I believe should dramatically broader draftsmen 29 * A fair entire convinces never outside correctly notes, ante, 483, "had deterrent justifies imposition severe sanctions. reason, heavy penalties always authorized, sometimes mandated, upon carriers. 30 Congress, recognizing importance delivery mails, earliest predecessor 1792. enactment, "An establish Post-Office Post Roads States,"1 death robbed carrier States."2 Third passed 8, 1794.3 Almost years later, aiding abetting offense subject death.4 31 Repeatedly legislation dealing mail-robbery offenses. Such 1799,5 1810,6 1825,7 1872,8 1909.9 1909 statute, established minimum sentence incarceration attempted wounded put danger. done consistently century, ensured provide setting making unusually serious severity penalty.10 32 through codification immediate thereafter unequivocally demonstrates 2114's predecessors involves interpretation adopted abandon nexus characterized throughout long history. II 33 review circumstances leading persuades broaden workers. 1934 bills containing amendatory year introduced Judiciary.11 Neither reported which, normally process significant change Criminal highest official, wrote James M. Mead, Chairman Office Roads, cover funds.12 processed requested legislation. Sess. (1935); 34 noncontroversial measure Congressman Committee, managed House. query, officials, extends officials."13 relatively piece sort almost debate either House, comment spokesman particularly illuminating. my greater weight paraphrase itself. 35 Judge Friendly succinctly (CA2 1975): 36 stood chapter offenses against service. No supposed that, recommended committees service, creating new respect government generally." 957, 3a. III 37 Even amendment, structuring read14 much form exists today, revision Judicial 1948. contends 1948 changed statute.15 Apparently occurred prosecutor context several decades amended.16 Indeed, 1973, top executive level Department (1973), Bork carefully examined question, concluding conclusion merits quotation: 39 "In added encompassing phrase 'money States.' covers petitioner convicted, 'person petitioner, plainly 40 amending remedy anomalous situation existed under old Before amendments imposed valuable Office. 41 advocated submitted report Roads. concede amended, post offices employees."17 IV 42 am appraisal arguable sufficiently nevertheless effect. are, concerns lead conclusion. First relationship parts thefts 2112, carries lesser violence accompanies theft.18 explicable assume wanted identifiable class employees. consistent decision 1868 wear uniforms prescribed. July 27, 1868, 246, 20, 197. Robbery uniformed worker fits rationale known connection Government. appropriately prosecuted 2114.19 44 Second, sentences—10 threatened kind—is disproportionate every conceivable theft property—even Government-owned hammer.20 responds noting decide too harsh.21 quite true. final—and important concern. 45 Executive, define dimensions program. Law enforcement remains, remain, primary Every increase power moves step closer national police force attendant threats individual liberty. obligation sure authorize novel assertion jurisdiction. Cf. Bell 462 356, 363, 103 2398, 2402-2403, 76 638 (1983) (STEVENS, J., dissenting); McElroy 455 642, 675, 1332, 1349, (1982) Altobella, 310, 316 1971). is, doubt authority enact finds not, convinced actually so. respectfully dissent. 1975); Rivera, 513 519 (CA2), cert. denied, 948, 284 (1975); Fernandez, 497 730 (CA9 1974), 420 990, 95 1423, 670 (1975). Jackson "Resort justified inescapably go reports, presumably well prepared. [T]o select debates, distinguished candor accuracy, up minds substitute ourselves functions." Schwegmann Bros. Calvert Distillers 341 384, 395-396, 745, 751, 1035 (1951) (concurring). Despite view, prosecutors relied See, e.g., O'Neil, 436 571 1970) (Customs employee); Sherman, 421 (CA4) (military custodian), 398 914, 1717, (1970); Peek 321 934 1963) (same). disagree fit statutes, 2112. related duplicitous. 2112 consummated not—possessing personal difference latter directed authorized custodians, accompanying completed robberies. complement other. 1792, 7, 1, 232. provided pertinent part: "That letters sent conveyed post, packet, steal take same, post-office, offender offenders shall, conviction thereof, suffer death." 17, 237. 361. Mar. 3, 1797, 4, 511. 2, 1799, 43, 15, 736-737 (up lashes imprisonment exceeding conviction; conviction, wounding placing danger weapon; second years, both, mails). Apr. 30, 1810, 37, 598 years' mails assaulting, shooting, threatening weapon). 1825, 64, 22, 108-109 (5 conviction). 1872, revise, consolidate, Statutes relating Post-office Department." §§ 1-327, 283-330. 285 carrier, agent, intrusted hard labor five nor time offence, if, time, robber wound weapons, natural life." 320. contrast single grouping previous contained carrier: shooting horse, robbery, 287, Revised 1878 mail-robbery-related provisions, renumbered. Rev.Stat. 5472, 5473. codified Code, combined sections 1909, 321, 197, 1126. provided: attention called consolidation establishment penalty. S. 2982, 60th "This Statutes. sections, committing so, doing makes life. omitted maximum reduced (1908) (report Special Joint Revision Laws). Throughout discussion provision, concerned mails. 1906 ("The reached provision interfering mail") (statement Mr. Heyburn). 1-2 receipt acknowledged your 16th instant, H.R. 5360, providing punishment moneys "Assaults punishable 197 (18 320), provides weapon. funds (not mail) can fine $5,000; attempts commit Recent witnessed believed moneys. Legislation annual 1933 bills, 6546 7214, Judiciary neither committee. recommendation passage renewed." Hearings Subcommittee 154, 3252, 5049, 5162, 5370, (1935) ("What want bandit, point gun, holds employees takes it, comes office thing away cash, unable sentence") K.P. Aldrich, Chief Inspector). added). led proceeded, part, follows: "Mr. DOBBINS. recommittal accomplish anything. thoroughly considered. receive perfunctory consideration. day considered, unusual years. Since taken legal advisor inspection Department. feel extremely now. being incorporated act, see suggested gentleman Michigan [Mr. Wolcott] last hearing Consent Calendar. WOLCOTT. thought very poorly drafted hoped committee redraft out. insist far concerned. bad way judge sentence, less. way, think, safeguarding integrity work page amended. Speaker, Ohio objects passed, will still Aside law. just addition protected; let mail; instance substations orders sold. bandit attacks seeking prosecute card prosecuted. "I salutory ought it." read: Aug. 26, 694, 49 867. Court, 75-76, appears 1963); arose Memorandum O.T.1972, 72-6454, pp. 2-3 (footnotes omitted). provides: kind description fifteen activated former robbery. Tr. Oral Arg. 31. However, brief concedes relief 111 officials 1114, officer employee 111, deadly $10,000, both. 1528, 1530 (CA11 At argument, hammer 25. 26.

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