Document: 365 U.S. 109 81 S.Ct. 413 5 L.Ed.2d 445 Elijah McNEAL, Jr., Petitioner,v.R. O. CULVER, as State Prison Custodian. No. 52. Argued Dec. 6, 1960. Decided Jan 23, 1961. Mr. Sam Daniels, Miami, for petitioner. Odis M. Henderson, respondent. Justice WHITTAKER delivered the opinion of Court. 1 Upon an information charging 'Assault to Murder in First Degree,' petitioner was put trial, without counsel, before a jury Florida court, convicted Second Degree' and sentenced imprisonment term 20 years which he is now serving. No appeal taken, but within year from his conviction filed petition writ habeas corpus Supreme Court Florida. 2 In that rather inartfully drawn petition, prepared penitentiary, at least following allegations were made with reasonable clarity: When brought court petitioner, indigent, ignorant mentally ill Negro then 29 age, advised without, unable obtain, counsel conduct defense asked be appointed represent him. The judge declined do so, saying (1) '(S)ince this not capital offence you are entitled attorney,' (2) 'you won't need Lawyer case.' Immediately, impaneled, trial began, left own defense. But, having 'never appeared any on felony, * understand(ing) procedure or know(ing) how defend himself,' effectively present defense, and, consequence, court's denial request deprived him due process law guaranteed by both United States Constitutions. 3 issued provisional directing respondent make proper return. Respondent's return denied 'petitioner's constitutional right violated alleged refusal appoint behalf,' attached copy partial transcript proceedings judgment sentence, (3) commitment, asserted being lawfully imprisoned under latter document. Finding nothing 'in record show whether aid defense,' believing 'that issues (not) so complex, (that) young, inexperienced, bring into play exception rule requiring appointment only cases require further inquiry culminating sentence,' Court, hearing upon petitioner's allegations, discharged remanded custory. 113 So.2d 381, 382. We granted certiorari determine supplemented other portions record, such full thereon, if those found true, Fourteenth Amendment Constitution. 362 910, 80 662, 4 618. It thoroughly settled that: "Where gravity crime factors—such age education defendant, prosecuting officials, complicated nature offense charged possible defenses thereto—render criminal apt result injustice fundamentally unfair,' Constitution requires accused must have legal assistance trial.' Cash v. Culver, 358 633, 637, 79 432, 436, 6 557, cited.1 shows involved minor altercation proprietors—two men named Scurry—of what referred 'jook,' called 'Blue Chip,' located 'colored quarters' Lake Wales, Florida, during evening December 10, 1957, ordered leave place, did. Soon afterward, 'without shirt shoes' armed shotgun, approached Chip' although number persons, including one Scurrys, standing sidewalk, fired gun their direction. Some pellets struck lower legs four Scurry hit. City police officers immediately arrested They stated that, course transporting jail, said 'he sorry shot these boys, intended kill Scurry.' On premise, tried 'assault Degree.' Although does disclose extent education, there abundant evidence it slight.2 Moreover, suffered head injuries Army 1952, ever since has been subject 'blackout spells' when excited. For period months April 8, 1956, underwent treatment mental condition Veterans Hospital Bay Pines, detained psychopathic ward. October released, apparently mother guardian,3 continued hospital 'get pills.' incapable questioning witnesses otherwise produced witnesses—the complaining witness, Ellix Scurry, three officers. Petitioner two questions witness obtained answers thereto. His third 'question' precluded judge, objected State, because testifying isn't time testify.' no did cross-examine witnesses, nor single objection trial. rested, petitioner: 'All right, now, Elijah, State's case. If want to, can take stand tell your side it. don't *.' took after mentioning injury, illness, testified spell' preceding shooting incident part complete blank,' sure 'intend anybody.' He attempted doctor's statement verified claim suffering spells.' object, 'This would admissible. You could doctor testify; we cannot admit like this,' received evidence. At conclusion testimony, 'Now, Lige, had attorney, argue case jury' desired, 'plead (his) replied: 'Well, sir, I quite understand meaning that,' argument jury. 7 These facts tend strongly ignorance, coupled illness unfamiliarity procedures, scant, any, help unfair. 8 addition showing lack consequent inability himself, implicitly discloses highly complex questions, beyond comprehension almost layman. 9 assault appears replete distinctions degrees. Mayhem, bare assault, battery, aggravated intent commit felony all statutory offenses.4 Assault felony—apparently against petitioner—incorporates reference felonies degrees thereof.5 homicide statutes appear create separate offenses—manslaughter,6 murder first, second degrees.7 considering interplay between courts held may guilty manslaughter, Lassiter 98 Fla. 370, 123 So. 735, thing degree inasmuch crimes finding 'intent'—such 'an act intent.' Tillman 558, 564, 88 377, 380. 10 To establish requisite 'intent' grades unlawful 'it will sufficient killing, occurred, committed life, unintentional involuntary killing some man intentionally unitentional act; punished statute, even though committed, amounted Williams 41 295, 298, 26 184, 185. 11 If, firing gun, felonious 'intent kill,' greatest 'Aggravated Assault'—an 'with deadly weapon, kill.'8 This academic distinction, 15 years' difference punishment involved.9 testimony kill' who while jail night occurrence, 'intended That admitted slightest freely voluntarily Admission crucial evidence, circumstances, patent violation renders inadmissible admissions arrest unless affirmatively they made. Louette 152 495, 12 168; Thomas Fla.1957, 92 621; Fla.1954, 74 797. intricate obviously 'beyond ken layman.' supra, page 638, 436. Indeed, questionable charged, convicted—'assault Murder,' Intent Commit Felony'—actually exists law, equally uncertain verdict, convicting support light Fla.Stat.1957, p. 2957, § 921.03, F.S.A., contains provision 'no shall rendered verdict jurors clearly express defendant issue.' See also French 96 657, 118 815. 13 instantly suggested might good insanity '(W)hen doubt sanity presumption (of sanity) vanishes. acquittal state overcome doubt.' Farrell Fla.1958, 101 130, 133. too much expect raise insanity, far shows, neither prosecutor notice matter. 14 question treated concurring lurks raised, briefed argued here, therefore reach views totality reasons reviewed, required case, circumstances true. truth. But themselves incumbent grant true are. 16 Reversed. 17 DOUGLAS, whom BRENNAL joins, concurring. 18 While join rest another ground reversal. 19 Nearly ago Betts Brady, 316 455, 62 1252, 86 L.Ed. 1595, indigent failure furnish results lacking 'fundamental fairness.' Id., 473, 1261. decision divided Court; six Justices sit hand fashioning rule. believe majority agree Brady here de novo, especially our unanimous Chandler Fretag, 348 3, 9, 75 1, 5, 99 4, where 'to heard through counsel' 'unqualified.' requested continuance obtain lawyer. reversible error deny counsel. turned, importance presence accused's hearing. relied Powell Alabama, 287 45, 68 69, 53 55, 64, 77 158: 21 'The be, many cases, little avail comprehend Even intelligent educated layman small sometimes skill science *. lacks knowledge adequately prepare perfect one. guiding every step him.'1 22 decisions refuse power force person lawyer wants afford hire one, same protection poor retain draws line rich repugnant process. same, whatever economic status accused. allowed opportunity tried, why should give indigent? penniless vagrants2 times caught tangle laws astute resolve, show. Edwards People California, 314 160, 164, 119; Edelman 344 357, 73 293, 97 387; Thompson Louisville, 199, 624, 654. 23 fundamental unfairness. set aside convictions obtained, recent 636, 435, note shows. Yet heavy burden carry, placed solely reason poverty. Its sanction war concept equal justice overruled.3 Are wait overrule until arises convincing demonstration absence prejudiced him? 24 Appendix Opinion DOUGLAS. 25 1942, Black appended dissenting 477, 1263, compilation regarding brings classification down date. Thirty-five provide behalf case; either explicit therefor discretion judge. A. Appointment indigents course, Constitution, statutes, rule, judicial decision. 27 Alaska: Rules Criminal Procedure, 39(b). 28 Arizona: 163, A.R.S. Arkansas: Ark.Stat. 43—1203. 30 California: Calif. Penal Code, 987. 31 Connecticut: Gen.Stat. Conn. (1958 Rev.) 54—80, C.G.S.A. Reid, 146 227, 149 A.2d 698. 32 Georgia: Ga.Const. Art. I, Par. V (Ga.Code Ann. 105). Bibb County Hancock, 211 Ga. 429, S.E.2d 511. 33 Idaho: Idaho Code §§ 19—1512, 19—1513. 34 Illinois: Ill. Rules, Rule 26(2), Ill.Rev.Stat. (1959), c. 110, 101.26(2). 35 Indiana: Ind.Const. 13. ex rel. Grecco Allen Circuit 238 Ind. 571, 153 N.E.2d 914. 36 Iowa: Iowa 775.4. 37 Kansas: Kansas (1959 Supp.) 62—1304. 38 Kentucky: Ky.Const. 11. Calhoun Commonwealth, 301 Ky. 789, 193 S.W.2d 420. 39 Louisiana: L.S.A.—Rev.Stat. 15—143. 40 Massachusetts: General Judicial Massachusetts, 337 Mass. 813; Laws Mass., 277, 47, M.G.L.A. Minnesota: Minn.Stat.1957, 611.07, amended Minn.Laws 1959, 383, M.S.A. 42 Missouri: Mo.Rev.Stat.1949, 545.820, V.A.M.S. 43 Montana: Rev.Code Montana 94—6512. 44 Nebraska: Rev.Stat. Nebraska (1943) 29—1803, 104, 107, 6. 45 Nevada: Nev.Rev.Stat. 174.120. 46 New Jersey: N.J.Const. 10; Rev.Rules, 1:12—9. 47 Mexico: N.M.Stat.Ann. (1953 Comp.) 41—11—2. Cf. Const. II, 14¢ see Garcia, N.M. 319, 142 P.2d 552, A.L.R. 1394. 48 York: N.Y.Code 308. 49 North Dakota: N.D.Century 29—01—27. 50 Ohio: Ohio Rev.Code, 2941.50. 51 Oklahoma: Okl.St.Ann. 464. 52 Oregon: Ore.Rev.Stat. 135.320. South S.D.Code 34.3506; (1960 34.1901. 54 Tennessee: Tenn.Code 40—2002, 40—2003. 55 Texas: Vernon's Texas 494, Acts 56th Leg., 1061, 484, 1. 56 Utah: Utah 77—22—12. 57 Virginia: Va. 19.1—241. 58 Washington: Wash. 10.01.110. 59 West Practice Trial Courts, IV. 60 Wisconsin: Carpenter Dane County, Wis. 274. Wis.Stat.Ann. 957.26. 61 Wyoming: Wyo.Stat. 7—7. B. making cases. 63 Alabama: Ala. Tit. 15, 318 (capital cases). Gilchrist 234 73, 173 651. 64 Colorado: Colo.Rev.Stat. 39—7—29. Kelley People, 120 Colo. 206 337. 65 Delaware: Superior Rules—Criminal, 44, Del.C.Ann. 'any deems appropriate'). 66 Florida: Fla.Stat. 909.21, F.S.A. Watson 218, 194 640. 67 Hawaii: Rev.Laws Hawaii (1955) 253—5, Act 239 (in statehood, XVI, 2). Maine: MeRev.Stat. 148, sentence life imposed, permissive). 69 Maryland: Md.Rules Causes, 723, b 'serious cases'). 70 Michigan: Mich.Comp.Laws 1948, 775.16, Public 256. Williams, 225 Mich. 133, 195 N.W. 818. 71 Mississippi: Miss.Code (rec. 1956) 2505 ('capital crime'). 72 Hampshire: N.H.Rev.Stat. 604:1, 604:2 'injustice done therefor'). Carolina: N.C.Gen.Stat. 15—4.1. Davis, 248 N.C. 318, 103 289. Pennsylvania: Purdon's Pa.Stat. 19, 783, 784 Rhode Island: Gen.Laws Island, 12—15—3. Hudson, R.I. 141, 179 100 313; Lee Kindelan, 212, 95 51. 76 S.C.Code 17—507 Hollman, 232 S.C. 489, 102 873. Vermont: Vt.Stat.Ann. 6503. Gomez, 89 Vt. 490, 190. Such Uveges Commonwealth Pennsylvania, 335 437, 441, 185, 93 127. statements, clear education: 'when gets excited, blacks out'; 'I throwed myself'; '* shoes'; goes score testified: 'When hospital, stayed over locked ward, psycho it; there, stay up time. Mama come me. And, well, about me weekend pass. trying back. 'And went home back And mama sign way get guardian sign. she day begged let go home.' 2800, 784.01—784.06, 784.06, provides: felony.—Whoever commits another, punishable death prison exceeding twenty years. An one-half inflicted committed.' 2798, 782.07, 2797, 782.04, 784.04, Five maximum whereas 20-year imposed 784.06. scholarly account attempt contemporary society abolish procedural safeguards 'simple' systems Hazard, Settling Disputes Soviet Society (1960). manner administration vagrancy harshness, drifters midst protections others vividly shown Foote, Vagrancy-Type Law Administration, 104 U. Pa.L.Rev. 603. Erie R. Co. Tompkins, 304 817, 82 1188, Brandeis, writing overruled Swift Tyson, Pet. 865. Butler, speaking himself McReynolds, strenuously objected, pointing out never raised argued, pages 82, 87, 824, 826, asking Tyson overruled, reargument. 'It justly assumed labor parties it.' 88, 827. problems created regime v abundantly its screening hundreds spawned.

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