Document: 333 U.S. 565 68 S.Ct. 705 92 L.Ed. 881 MOORE et al.v.PEOPLE OF STATE NEW YORK. No. 485. Argued Feb. 12, 1948. Decided March 29, Messrs. John F. Wilkinson and I. Saul Fleischman, both of New York City, for petitioners. Mr. George Tilzer, respondent. Justice JACKSON delivered the opinion Court. 1 Petitioners were indicted in Bronx County, York, on February 11, 1947, crime murder first degree. The District Attorney moved court an order that trial be by a special jury, pursuant to law, which motion was granted over opposition behalf defendants assigned counsel. One hundred fifty names drawn from jury panel, under supervision State Supreme Court, presence defendants' counsel without objection. 2 When case called defendants, as permitted state practice, served written challenge panel jurors upon following grounds: 3 1. That § 749-aa Judiciary Law Consol.Laws, c. 30, is violation Fourteenth Amendment Constitution United States. 4 2. qualified Negro improperly excluded list jurors, said drawn. 5 3. women 6 After full hearing, disallowed petitioners tried convicted. On appeal Court Appeals, third ground abandoned convictions affirmed. 297 N.Y. 734, 77 N.E.2d 25. We certiorari petition raising remaining grounds. 332 843, 266. 7 constitutionality statutes has but recently been sustained this Fay v. People 261, 67 1613, against better supported than here presented, issue warrants little discussion at time. 8 Some effort made statistics differentiate precedent one ratio before juries contrasted with ordinary juries. present us study July 1, 1937, June 1946, indicates County returned 15 acquittals during period concludes convicted 79% cases while general 57%. responds these 19 cases, conviction lesser degree charged and, hence 9 out withheld all or part what asked. Moe over, it two capital another manslaughter criminally receiving stolen property. It should observed number involved statements too small afford secure basis generalizing convicting propensities panels, even if comparable. But appears system intensive investigation applied moment they are reported, more careful preparation given them most experienced prosecutors. This makes class not fairly comparable run-of-the-mill felony misdemeanor, included statistics. Moreover, none facts laid best position analyze, supplement interpret them. think no question presented disposed supra. Indeed, opening hearing said, 'I understand inquiry now directed intentional elimination disqualification Negroes panel.' Counsel assented definition issues evidence other subjects offered. Petitioners' point 'the petitioners, Negroes, selected systematically, intentionally deliberately excluded, denied equal protection law due process guaranteed States.' If assumption fact statement, would compelling merit. subject so settled we longer find necessary write expositions regard. See Brunson al. North Carolina, 851, 634. 10 admitted there Negroes. only record wanting proof systematic exclusion—the witnesses sworn testified such practice intent. Nothing background discredits testimony. census figures give proportion Negro-to-white population county .7% 1920, 1.0% 1930, 1.7% 1940. since last considerably increased. According estimate, colored inhabitants, 1940 24,892, increased 192,066 same estimator later revised between 65,000 70,000. Neither estimate court, finding gives judicially approved data. Of course, new wartime arrivals take some time qualify active members community its machinery justice cannot expected instantaneously reflect their presence. official who compiled lists 'from 1946 I must have examined least 500 myself.' accepted service could ascertained records, make notation color, he 'maybe dozen; maybe three dozen.' For had estimated testimony undenied. 11 utterly devoid systematic, deliberate exclusion duty. 12 judgment 13 Affirmed. 14 MURPHY, whom BLACK, DOUGLAS RUTLEDGE concur, dissenting. represents tragic consequence can flow use 'blue ribbon' jury. Two men forfeit lives after having peers, chosen fair cross-section community, y group individuals singled manner inconsistent democratic ideals system. because possessed trait characteristic distinguished qualification desirable State's purpose securing Such selection place our constitutional way life. contravenes elementary notions acquiesce able do 1613. 16 invalidity does depend any economic, racial social group. Nor rest demonstration inclined convict factors frequently, invariably, situations, though extremely difficult. end products system, root evil. 17 vice lies very concept panels—the 'best' learned intelligent jurors. panels completely war theory formulated experience generations. constitutionally entitled judged sampling one's neighbors qualified, merely those superior intelligence learning. Jury supposed representative classes. Within classes, persons varying degrees intelligence, wealth, education, ability experience. welter individuals, meet specified minimum standards, chosen. Any method permits opens grave abuses. then danger losing flavor becoming instrument select few. 18 Hence selecting instituted highest intentions, violence fundamental precepts Appeals administrative convenience soften violence. And deprives defendant accorded others draw falls ban Amendment. therefore reverse below.

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