Document: 468 U.S. 576 104 S.Ct. 3227 82 L.Ed.2d 438 Sherman BLOCK, Sheriff of the County Los Angeles, et al., Petitionersv.Dennis RUTHERFORD al. No. 83-317. Supreme Court United States Argued March 28, 1984. Decided July 3, Syllabus Respondents, pretrial detainees at Angeles Central Jail, brought a class action in Federal District against and other officials, challenging, on due process grounds, jail's policy denying contact visits with their spouses, relatives, children, friends, practice conducting random, irregular "shakedown" searches cells while were away meals, recreation, or activities. The sustained challenges, ordered that low risk incarcerated for more than month be allowed all to watch if they are area when conducted. Appeals affirmed. Held: 1. Where it is alleged detainee has been deprived liberty without process, dispositive inquiry whether challenged constitutes punishment reasonably related legitimate governmental objective. Bell v. Wolfish, 441 520, 99 1861, 60 447. In considering specific "reasonably related" security interests, courts should play very limited role, since such considerations peculiarly within province professional expertise corrections officials. Id., 540-541, n. 23, S.Ct., 1875 23. Pp. 583-585. 2. Here, Jail's blanket prohibition an entirely reasonable, nonpunitive response concerns, consistent Fourteenth Amendment. Contact invite host problems. They open detention facility introduction drugs, weapons, contraband. Moreover, expose others those who, as often case, awaiting trial serious, violent offenses have prior convictions carries risks safety innocent individuals will jeopardized. Totally disallowing not excessive relation interests stake. There many justifications entirely, rather attempting difficult task establishing program imposed here. Nothing Constitution requires visits; responsible, experienced administrators determined, sound discretion, jeopardize persons. 585-589. 3. absence cell occupants also reasonable by jail officials concerns. supra. This matter lodged discretion 589-591. 710 F.2d 572 (CA9 1983), reversed. Frederick R. Bennett, Cal., petitioners. Alvin J. Bronstein, Washington, D.C., respondents. Chief Justice BURGER delivered opinion Court. 1 We granted certiorari decide right guaranteed observe shakedown prison 2 * Jail one seven principal facilities operated County. three-story complex, located downtown largest country, capacity over 5,000 inmates. It primary male detainees, vast majority whom remain most few days weeks await trial. 3 1975, respondents, under 42 U.S.C. §§ 1983, 1985, Sheriff, certain Board Supervisors, challenging various policies practices conditions confinement. Only respondents' challenges permitting irregularly scheduled individual before this Court.1 both these challenges. Rutherford Pitchess, 457 F.Supp. (CD Cal.1978). 4 agreed respondents "the ability man embrace his wife children from time during months he great importance him," id., 110, yet recognized "unrestricted visitation would add greatly" problems jail. Ibid. court ultimately concluded, however, danger inmates "physical loved ones" was sufficiently warrant deprivation contact. Striking what believed "reasonable balance" between twin constitutional rights inmates, tentatively proposed order who "have received high classification," two weeks. 5 With respect searches, concluded allowing distance searched allay inmate concerns personal property unnecessarily confiscated destroyed. "[f]uture shakedowns made respective outside but near enough raise answer any relevant inquiry." 116. viewed its orders least restrictive alternatives purpose [respondents'] incarceration." 108. 6 withheld judgment complaints pending further evidentiary hearings. supplemental memorandum following additional hearings, acknowledged "many factors strongly militate visits," App. Pet. Cert. 32, which being "establishment [would] increase importation narcotics into [the] jail, despite safeguards precautions." 31. again emphasized visits, "great burden" authorities public. Modification existing visiting areas, facilities, necessary. New procedures processing visitors—possibly including interviews, packages carried visitors—would required. Strip needed. 7 found "hardship" unable "embrace only could justify imposition substantial burdens. 32. However, believed, rendering impracticable short periods considerably less compelling prolonged. 8 reasoned scope, burden dangers [a] [of visitation] substantially diminished" "who uninterrupted custody determined drug oriented escape risks," ceiling total number must provide. 33 (emphasis added). limitations, suggested, require "[m]odest alteration" facility. Alternatively, said, build occupy new transport back forth, 9 reaffirmed earlier conclusion searches. "in protecting meager possessions outweigh[ed] small upon [petitioners]." 36.2 10 On appeal Ninth Circuit, 626 866, remanded case consideration light our intervening decision 447 (1979), noting, among things, we rejected Wolfish suggestion existence means achievement objectives proof exaggerated 17. 11 remand orders, "[finding] nothing render[ed] inappropriate . orders." 24. Although "consciously motivated desire punish," reiterated belief question "excessive" underlying objectives. 25. characterized petitioners' rejection proposals "overreaction," 26, "stem[med] unreasonable fixation security," 12 conceded invalidated similar requiring cells, went identify several thought distinguished Wolfish.3 13 petitioner's second appeal, affirmed Court's cells.4 1983). held "fits harmoniously pattern" federal cases "recogniz[ing] important [penal] institution same recogniz[ing] psychological punitive effects prolonged loss detainees. ." F.2d, 577. suggested "unreasonable, concerns." 14 contention precluded permitted Appeals, had Court, identified "significant differences" entered Court.5 15 because issue administration conflict Courts Appeals.6 464 959, 390, 78 334 (1983). reverse. II 16 separate metropolitan million people monumental proportions. Housed annually 200,000 persons confined meet requirements release bail. Generalizations little value, no familiar even barest outline criminal justice, fail aware ease can obtain bail recognizance. fact nonrelease thus significant factor bearing measures imperative proper 17 Four Terms ago, considered first time, scope protection accorded numerous confinement York City institution. that, where condition, practice, punishment, "[f]or Due Process Clause, punished adjudication guilt accordance law." 535, 1872 (footnote omitted). 18 addressing particular carefully outlined principles applied evaluating constitutionality detention. Specifically, observed "[a] disability incident some purpose." 538, 1873 (citation Absent intent punish, noted, determination "generally turn 'whether alternative [the restriction] may rationally connected assignable it, appears assigned [to it].' " (quoting Kennedy Mendoza-Martinez, 372 144, 168-169, 83 554, 567-568, 644 (1963)). concluded: 19 "[I]f condition restriction objective, does not, more, amount 'punishment.' Conversely, goal—if arbitrary purposeless—a permissibly infer constitutionally inflicted qua detainees." U.S., 539, 1874 citation 20 setting forth guidelines, role facilities. assessing 21 "heed warning '[s]uch and, evidence record indicate ordinarily defer expert matters.' 1874-1875, 23 Pell Procunier, 417 817, 827, 94 2800, 2806, 41 495 (1974)). cautioned: 22 "[P]rison [are be] wide-ranging deference adoption execution needed preserve internal discipline maintain institutional security." 547, 1878 (citing cases). articulated govern resolution case. III A. 24 Petitioners' error conclude entitled friends relatives. Petitioners maintain, throughout proceedings interest public security, impose absolute visits.7 did find, nor suggest, punish To contrary, petitioners fully cognizant possible value visitation, commended conscientious efforts accommodate large numbers Jail. 25 us, therefore, narrow: More particularly, there dispute interest,8 simply 26 That valid, rational connection ban too obvious extended discussion. much. Visitors easily conceal guns, knives, contraband countless ways pass them unnoticed vigilant observers. And items readily slipped clothing child, transferred visitors close 27 poses facility, well. Detainees—by definition bail—often offenses, convictions. Exposure type person others, family, administrators, necessarily jeopardized ways. may, example, taken hostages become pawns attempts. answer, course, deal here restrictions convicted criminals. For, context, "[t]here basis concluding pose lesser inmates." 546, 1878, 28. Indeed, "it circumstances [detainees] present greater order." 28 totally reject characterization. assume, instance, enlisted help weapons fellow denied visits. Additionally, identification propensities violence, escape, smuggling impossible task, chances mistaken substantial. burdens identifying candidates visitation—glossed Court—are brevity constantly changing nature population. Or complete necessary selectively some—even feasible—could well create tension not. 29 Fourth Amendment challenge routine body cavity though reported attempt smuggle cavity. 558-560, 1884-1885. discover deter contraband, byproduct Given demands need protect facility's personnel, regard full excessive. flat cannot See 559-560, 40, 1884-1885, 40. event, unwilling substitute sensitive matters actually charged trained running," 562, 1886, facilities.9 sum, identified, 30 visits." accepted testimony significantly possibility breaches placed jeopardy. noted "despite precautions," 31, inevitably take judicial notice unauthorized use problem plagues virtually every penal center country. While explicitly acknowledging inhere nonetheless visitation. 31 record, misperceived Wolfish. When counseled ended. court's "balancing" resulted impermissible substitution view "[i]t plain opinions lower disagreed jail] about extent affected required interests." 1882. 32 rejecting order, do sense denigrate family detainee. Nor intend suggest might contributing ultimate reintegration society. hold B conduct random Respondents searches; them. 34 respond method measure identical 555-557, 1882-1884.10 agree. described follows: 35 "The MCC staff conducts unannounced living areas intervals. These generally formal unit 'shakedowns' cleared residential units, team guards each room. [I]nmates [are] searches." 555, 36 search essentially employed see 1, 37 distinguish principally ground rested Amendment, predicated holding violate Clause room rule But rule, feature prohibiting observation violated detainees' rights: 38 "Nor think four Part III, supra [one detainees] constitute 'punishment' violation Fifth Amendment." 560-561, 1885-1886 39 "were responses 561, 1886. 40 Thus, contrary suggestion, previously procedure almost used scores. reason reconsider issue; arguments advanced justified 36, 1883, here.11 clearer reaffirm "proper informed they, courts, make judgments reconcile conflicting claims affecting institution, welfare staff, 557, 38, 1884, 38.12 Accordingly, so ordered. 43 BLACKMUN, concurring judgment. 44 I agree neither contact-visitation cell-search violates write separately, believe adequately addressed gravamen claims. 45 disagree treatment chiefly because, my view, invoked administrative place litigation. As clear reaffirms here, show product intent. 538-539, nn. 20, 1873-1874. attempts demonstrate intent, either through direct motive demonstration objective," 1874, calling good faith administrators. Under circumstances, seems me somewhat perverse insist rationality accord "wide-ranging security.' Ante, 585, quoting 1878. Such requirement boils down command confronted charge bad faith, evaluate assuming faith. 46 places issue, improper plaintiff prove twice administrators' putative Instead, sufficient rest substantive standard announced itself: absent "a [a challenged] punishment" if, "is goal." 1874. goal hardly stringent one, reasons given ante, 586-587, doubt met presented therefore am mystified insistence invoking deference, unnecessary result 47 generally, concerned apparent willingness rhetoric meaningful scrutiny setting. Rhodes Chapman, 452 337, 369, 101 2392, 2410, 69 59 (1981) (opinion judgment). unquestionably reluctant second-guess measures; standards look whole part effectiveness practices, good-faith weight. advance ipso facto constitutional. Cf. 20. recognize conditions, like similarly expansive workings institutions, intervention. At careless invocations "deference" run returning us passivity decades then-prevailing barbarism squalor prisons blind eye "hands off" approach. initial responsibility Nation's vested "does mean scrupulously observed." satisfied satisfies join 48 misconstrues claim. assumes exclusion grounds hence dispositive. 590-591. quite clear, procedural grounds. Tr. Oral Arg. ("[T]his [an of] freedom process"); Brief 33-36. essence, arguing includes opportunity minimize erroneous deprivations. Because address claim something said support 49 Mathews Eldridge, 424 319, 96 893, (1976), adequacy accompany deprivations normally depends balance three factors: private official action, probable safeguards, relying procedures. 335, 903. stake potentially significant. Hudson Palmer, 517, 521, 524-525, 3194, 3197, 3199-3200, 393 Court), 553-554, 3214-3215 (STEVENS, J., dissenting part) (slip op. 6-7, 14). detainee's presence never contribute avoidance "prevent[ion theft misuse search" "conceivable beneficial effect" Judge witnessed prisoner able prevent seizure magazines explaining why complied regulations. 36. 50 countervailing persuade erred determination. First, "friction guards," 1883 likely itself. Second, significant, learn hide cells. result, although course itself, cf. Calero-Toledo Pearson Yacht Leasing Co., 416 663, 679, 2080, 2089, (1974), frustrate future cell. Quite apart moreover, undoubtedly "administrative [entailed by] requirement." For point out, now dedicate increased accompanying Just different exigencies excused predeprivation hearings contexts, see, e.g., Commissioner Shapiro, 614, 629-630, 12, S.Ct 1062, 1071-1072, 278 (1976); Calero-Toledo, 676-680, 2088-2090; Phillips Commissioner, 283 589, 596-597, 51 608, 611-612, 75 1289 (1931); North American Cold Storage Co. Chicago, 211 306, 315-316, 101, 104-105, 53 L.Ed. 195 (1908), tip de "hearing" MARSHALL, BRENNAN STEVENS join, dissenting. 52 marks fourth recent years turned deaf ear inmates' Constitution. (1981); (1979); 393. Guided unwarranted confidence "expertise" pinched conception meaning Clauses Eighth increasingly willing sanction imagine colorable rationale, how oppressive ill-justified fact. So, upholds force physical members regardless long slight abuse privilege. other, frequently destruction confiscation property. comports supra, established set defining permissible crimes. abandoned fundamentally misconceived. 563-579, 1886-1895 (MARSHALL, dissenting). doctrine enunciated defensible, abide manner construes applies dispose 54 One premises plaintiffs' implicate "fundamental interests" "delineated Roe Wade, 410 113 [93 705, 147] (1973); Eisenstadt Baird, 405 [92 1029, 349] (1972); Stanley Illinois, 645 1208, 551] Griswold Connecticut, 381 479 [85 1678, 510 (1965); [and] Meyer Nebraska, 262 390 [43 625, 67 1042] (1923)." 534-535, 1871-1872. Aside guilt, general asserted plaintiffs contended, "desire free discomfort." 534, 1871.1 comparatively unimportant adopt deferential legal standard: "[A] detention" passes muster 55 today reiterates relies foregoing test. 586. doing, ignores crucial difference Unlike plaintiffs, fundamental abridged policy—namely, engage deterioration relationships families. 56 "[T]he trial," found, him." 104, 110 (1978).2 Denial "very traumatic treatment." Substantial supports findings. William Nagel, field corrections, testified prisoners familial bonds. 4174-4175. Similarly, Dr. Terry Kupers, psychiatrist, denial contributes breakup prisoners' marriages threatens mental health. 4647-4651. secondary literature buttresses assertions,3 conclusions reached courts.4 57 injury relations wrought tested constraining Our leave persons' enter into, cultivate protection. E.g., Santosky Kramer, 455 745, 753, 102 1388, 1394, 71 599 (1982). Among expressly shielded state interference bonds Zablocki Redhail, 434 374, 98 673, 618 (1978), parents Wisconsin Yoder, 406 205, 92 1526, special status scheme derives considerations: traditionally regarded sacrosanct,5 played fostering diversity pluralism culture,6 centrality emotional life persons.7 58 Determination exactly aforementioned bears difficult. hand, argued "withdrawal limitation privileges rights" accompanies incarceration, Price Johnston, 266, 285, 68 1049, 1060, 1356 (1948), combined altogether severed ban, "compelling" government suffice impairment rights.8 sustain policy. lawfully after crimes retain rights;9 presumptively surely less.10 insisted persuasive regulations significantly, prohibitively, interfered exercise rights;11 arguably, test control balancing competing resolve us. minimum, petitioners, prevail, materially advances interest. demonstration.12 defend reluctance allow unlimited refusal reforms courts. recalled, circumscribed: "Commencing ninety date defendants available visit once week concerning indication propensities; provided, fifteen hundred week. event requested exceeds hundred, higher voluntarily undertakes accommodate, system rotation priorities maintained. lengths shall Sheriff." 38. 61 object current families, main Neither proffered survives scrutiny. 62 contend drugs weapons. admitted goal. realization impaired adduced establishes contrary. Several witnesses implemented precautions effectively institutions are: dressing clothes visitation; examination metal detectors fluoroscopes; parcels area; comply rules; continuous guards. 4164-4166, 4232, 4576-4577.13 Mr. Nagel "prevent everything except extreme methods introducing institution." 4170. Further transmission provided classified risk. short, compliance courts' directive negligible flow jail.14 63 allowance endanger proximity dangerous Again, objective apparent, nexus indicated above, unlikely try escape. hurt advantage visitors. 602. Finally, families incidents resulting rare, apparently highly.15 64 seeks shore up miscellaneous subsidiary effort discredit limitations argues propensity misbehave time-consuming, especially population." 587. rebutted finding month, considerable information regarding background behavior patterns, already classification modification improvement, abuse. 33.16 Next, contends expensive. 588, 9. findings decisive; "modest" changes 33. fundamentally, cheaply abridging occupants. suggests cause dissension resent privileges. whatsoever speculative observation. 65 shown low-risk occasionally spouses interest.17 alleviate adverse impact rights, Clause. 66 brusquely rejects refusing permit foreclosed If indeed vote affirm stated 576, 1893. fact, differ respect, provides independent sustaining below. adopted Metropolitan Correctional Center violative 556-557, 1883-1884, 1885-1886. assert searching confiscating destroying therein, deprives law. meritorious. purposes reduce incidence life, liberty, Fuentes Shevin, 407 67, 80-81, 1994-1995, 556 (1972). reduced, turn, whose adversely decisions participate decisions. complex helpful determining mandates participation contexts: "[I]dentification dictates distinct action; second, used, any, safeguards; finally, Government's interest, function involved fiscal entail." 70 Application facts instant strong aptly observed, important. keep indeed, things pictures, magazines, cigarettes, candy bars, perhaps extra pair socks. Nonetheless, cherished 27-28.18 risk, policy, destroyed Unannounced hasty, officers deciding confiscate. otherwise Ibid.19 witness original developed present. procedures, known "Method C," proved effectual, slightly expensive respondents.20 demonstrated feasibility21 minor cost option renders indefensible, classic instance "established procedure," act employee," effect causing Compare Logan Zimmerman Brush 422, 435-436, 1148, 1157-1158, 265 (1982), 393, Parratt Taylor, 451 527, 541, 1908, 1916, 420 (1981). implement wanton possessions, below Clause.22 72 respectfully dissent. instituted suit, allowed. unmonitored noncontact day hours 8:30 a.m. p.m. estimated 63,000 air-conditioned accommodates 228 once. Privacy partitions separated location glass panels visitors, telephones. effect, conducted "make week." Its directed "[i]nmates 'shakedown' inspection undertaken proximate questions requests indicate." court, 'distracting personnel moving another ahead team.' 1883). failed specify provision relied invalidate review contrast, specifically reversed third order—not here—which reinstall transparent windows removed. officials—ignored Wolfish—that distracting relocating team. remove detain dayroom row searched, bring individually exclusively "unreasonable" based "largely" Amendment's guarantee process. five circuits Jordan Wolke, 615 749 (CA7 1980); Ramos Lamm, 639 559 (CA10 1980), cert. denied, 450 1041, 1759, 239 Inmates Allegheny Pierce, 612 754 (CA3 1979); Feeley Sampson, 570 364 (CA1 1978); Oxendine Williams, 509 1405 (CA4 1975) (per curiam). Circuit Second Circuits contexts. Marcera Chinlund, 595 1231 (CA2), vacated sub nom. Lombard Marcera, 442 915, 2833, 281 Jones Diamond, 636 1364 (CA5), Ledbetter Jones, 3106, 970 dism'd, 453 950, 27, 1033 West Infante, 707 (CA2 1983) curiam); Campbell McGruder, 188 U.S.App.D.C. 258, 580 521 (1978). occasion represent admittedly intrusive challenged. subsequently unconstitutional. (1979). dismissed pursuant Rule 53. maintenance "essential goals," times "limitation retraction retained rights." Government, "must steps [an] illicit reach 540, 823, 2804, (1974). reasonableness underscored costs—financial otherwise—of "complicated, expensive, time-consuming process[es]" interviewing, searching, reassigned perform tasks, hiring personnel. Intrusive strip least, improvements county purchase elsewhere. costs avoid. note indistinguishable material correct, vicinity shakedowns, touchstone employ available, differences magnitude. sought accommodated concern distract succeed arrive factual distinction significance. merely accomplishment obliged 542, 25, 1876, brief read procedure—a Wolfish—we challenge. 555-556, 1882-1883, 36—a undertaking optimal 5,000-inmate exceed whatever possessory implicated search. minimal. prison. See, 548-552 (First Amendment); 1882-1884 (Fourth Amendment). consider formulating (on today) constitutionality, 530, 1869, stressed detained (and covered order), periods. Taylor trials months, respectively. Zemans & Cavan, Marital Relationships Prisoners, J.Crim.L., C. P.S. (1958); Note, Prisoners Parenting: Preserving Tie Binds, 87 Yale L.J. 1408, 1416, 1424 1364, 1377 970, dism'd Boudin Thomas, 533 786, 792-793 (SDNY 1982) (pointing inter alia, inmate's child young talk, equivalent whatsoever); Rhem Malcolm, 371 594, 602-603 (SDNY), aff'd, 507 333 1974). Bellotti 443 622, 638, 3035, 3045, 797 (1979) (plurality opinion); 402, 627, 1042 (1923). Moore East Cleveland, 431 494, 506, 97 1932, 1939, 531 (1977) Pierce Society Sisters, 268 510, 571, 573, 1070 (1925). Smith Organization Foster Families, 816, 844, 2094, 2109, (1977); 645, 652, 1213, 551 Schall Martin, 467 253, 291, 15, 2403, 2424, 81 207 (1984) dissenting) (suggesting strength statute [would depend] degree encroaches rights") original; omitted); 569-571, 1889-1891, Procunier Martinez, 396, 1800, 224 (1974) (freedom speech); Lee 333, 88 994, 1212 (1968) curiam) (equal laws); Wolff McDonnell, 418 2963, 2974-2975, 935 ("There iron curtain drawn country"). 16, 1872, (pretrial unlike sentenced punished). 387, 681, (1978) (invalidating persons, seriously intruded upon, abrogate, marry); Cleveland Education LaFleur, 414 632, 640, 791, 796, (striking "heavy teachers' children). controlled "legitimate objective" approach argument score. implies intrusiveness justification 588 forgo submit choice left pointed out quantities routes. 3307, 4526-4527; 4589-4590, 4624-4625 (describing institutions). mistake currently amounts infect time. Arnett Gaston, Warden Men's House Detention (Riker's Island), confrontations largely 4368. Lloyd Patterson, Superintendent Deuel Vocational Institution years, recall period. 4589. drawing experience Jersey 350 corroborated observations. 4167-4168. Lieutenant Thomas Lonergan present, identities backgrounds 70% ascertained admission. 4450-4451. feasibility programs. Approximately 80% California 4587. Bureau Prisons 1955. City, identifiably 4339, 4362. (Indeed, agency oversees operation city's filed contending feasible deemed punitive. Correction Amicus Curiae 9-29.) 3208 ("Personal letters, snapshots members, souvenir, deck cards, hobby kit, diary training manual apprentice trade, Bible—a variety inexpensive enable past better future"). last Judge's jail: "My own observation, mentioned February 1979, revealed plea explanation behalf saving confiscation. meant him, justifies generalization." 28; procedure, compared A remained room, Method C, men occupying stood searched. completed, locked remaining successively manner. Methods D unsatisfactory comment indicated. "According statistics defendants, C utilize deputies escort insure assault engaged cell." 35-36; 4122-4143 (testimony Deputy Lombardi). brief, press Relying single Lombardi, impunity. 4116. Lombardi offered substantiation her prediction summarizing objections mention. 4132-4133. Especially bald 4, 3208, (observing cover "cases contended themselves unjustifiably property").

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