Document: 358 U.S. 147 79 S.Ct. 191 3 L.Ed.2d 183 Abram FLAXER, Petitioner,v.UNITED STATES of America. No. 60. Argued Nov. 19, 1958. Decided Dec. 15, Mr. David Rein, Washington, D.C., for petitioner. William Hitz, respondent. Justice DOUGLAS delivered the opinion Court. 1 Petitioner was found guilty, after jury trial, failure to produce, pursuant a subpoena duces tecum issued by Subcommittee Senate Committee,1 records union2 showing names and addresses members that organization who were employed either United States or any state, county, municipal government in country.3 The District Court denied motion acquittal new trial. 112 F.Supp. 669. Appeals, sitting en banc, affirmed divided vote. 98 U.S.App.D.C. 324, 235 F.2d 821. On petition writ certiorari we vacated remanded consideration light Watkins v. States, 354 178, 77 1173, 1273, an intervening decision. 929, 1392, 1533. once more 103 319, 258 413. We again granted certiorari. 357 904, 78 1149, 2 1154. Committee on Judiciary duly authorized authorized4 investigate administration, operation, enforcement Internal Security Act 1950.5 created which adopted resolution effect single member would constitute quorum purpose taking testimony. head union under investigation. Chairman directing him inter alia, mentioned above. appeared before Senator Watkins, as Subcommittee, produced some union; but he failed produce membership lists. He made several objections disclosure them, maintaining they protected right privacy. did not maintain lists unavailable him. Indeed, responded further interrogation, giving approximate number indicating about 5 percent employ Federal Government, balance being governments. also named federal agencies where bulk employed. But persisted his refusal At this point interrogation said: 'You are directed committee those according terms subpena.' 4 continued state objections. counsel asked petitioner how long it take prepare finally said, 'I imagine could be done week.' then 6 respectfully suggest chairman witness ordered information transmit subcommittee 10 days' time.' replied: 7 'Since you have reply week, will order committee, submit requested within days from date. record show course been given notice requirement has made, made.' 8 object production. Then colloquy follows: 9 'Senator Watkins. Whatever your argument is, is now, and, I understand it, refuse do so ground set forth. want make clear. 'Mr. Flaxer. haven't got them. don't feel capable producing 11 You said week. 12 No; question asked. list compiled week could. 13 Arens. available you? 14 Yes. 15 declined it; correct? 16 17 Will session today? 18 consideration. 19 That order, whatever steps necessary if at end time them.' 20 These events transpired October 5, 1951. return date tecum. And each two counts indictment 1951, petitioner's willful default. 21 read no default As colloquy, petitioner, though adamant position, deliver It does appear whether 10-day period additional taken against Yet, all know, defiant might meek submissive 15. 22 stated 208, reference prosecutions contempt 'the courts must accord defendants every guaranteed other criminal cases.' One these guarantees proof beyond reasonable doubt deliberate intentional, Quinn 349 155, 165, 75 668, 99 L.Ed. 964, holds. In case 'never confronted with clear-cut choice between compliance noncompliance, answering risking prosecution contempt.' Id., page 166, 675. rulings imprecise leave 'to guess had accepted objection.' Ibid. 23 present case, position clear one respect: plain wanted But, say least, there ambiguity its ruling performance. well conclude, think, consider matter, face alternative contempt. Certainly cannot tell degree certainty demanded very day, hence. repeat what case: 24 'Giving fair apprisal committee's objection recognizes legitimate interests both committee. Just need use particular form words objection, required resort fixed verbal formula indicate disposition objection. So forced ruling, cause complain. adherence traditional practice can neither inflict hardship upon nor abridge proper scope legislative investigation.' 170, 677. 25 should acquittal. 26 Reversed. Judiciary. voted certify report Attorney initiating proceeding. S.Res. 295, 82d Cong., 2d Sess.; Cong.Rec. 2500. Public Workers U.S.C. § 192, U.S.C.A. provides: 'Every person having summoned authority House Congress give testimony papers matter inquiry House, joint established concurrent Houses Congress, willfully makes default, who, appeared, refuses answer pertinent inquiry, shall deemed guilty misdemeanor, punishable fine than $1,000 less $100 imprisonment common jail month twelve months.' 366, 81st 96 16872. 64 Stat. 987, 50 781 et seq.

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