Document: 402 U.S. 99 91 S.Ct. 1319 28 L.Ed.2d 625 William Ward EHLERT, Petitioner,v.UNITED STATES. No. 120. Argued Jan. 13, 1971. Decided April 21, Syllabus The refusal of petitioner's local board to reopen his classification and pass on conscientious objector claim, made after mailing induction notice but before induction, the basis a Selective Service regulation that permitted post-induction reopening only for 'change in registrant's status resulting from circumstances over which registrant had no control,' held not unreasonable as limitation time within must act such light Government's assurance one whose beliefs assertedly crystallize an will have full opportunity obtain in-service determination claim without having perform combatant training or service pending disposition. Pp. 101—107. 9 Cir., 422 F.2d 332, affirmed. Paul N. Halvonik, San Francisco, petitioner. H. Rehnquist, Phoenix, Ariz., respondent. 1 STEWART, Justice. 2 question this case is whether who claims objection war any form crystallized between report scheduled date. petitioner us until he received notice. Before date, then wrote asked be allowed present claim. He represented views matured immediate prospect military service. After proceedings material here, notified him it declined because crystallization did constitute control' required under regulation.1 refused submit grand jury United States District Court Northern California indicted violation Military Act 1967.2 3 waived trial by jury, Court, holding ripening could circumstance control, found guilty. conviction was affirmed Appeals Ninth Circuit, sitting en banc, we granted certiorari, 397 1074, 90 1525, 25 808 resolve conflict among circuits interpretation governing regulation.3 4 A explicitly providing considered unless filed would, think, perfectly valid, provided inductee ordered prompt, fair, proper 1967 confers President authority 'to prescribe necessary rules regulations carry out provisions title * *.' 50 U.S.C. App. § 460(b)(1). To read delegated section power make reasonable timeliness would render impossible require submission, notice, time. System needs has presentation exemption service.4 5 barring claims, with proviso mentioned, entirely rule. boards already handle prenotice procedures processing mature Allocation burden handling first arise brief period seems well discretion those concerned choosing most feasible means operating systems. Further, requiring post-notice deprive legal right leave 'no man's land' arising presented forum. 6 unconditional conferred statute upon objectors service.5 law, indeed, provides noncombatant there obstacle.6 civilian 'in lieu induction' arises if 'claim sustained board.' It does follow, given rules, more than induction. Congress rather carefully confined created immunity Consequently, their notices work deprivation statutory rights, so long claimants were subjected been acted upon. 7 That are late crystallizing can wait, however, mean they deprived fair merits consideration same substantive criteria guide System. See Welsh v. States, 398 333, 1792, 26 308. very assertion just might cast doubt genuineness some reason suppose every bit bona fide substantial ripens wholly arbitrary deny crystallizer scruples took shape during limbo.7 system persons ruling merits, consistent statute.8 8 interpret unambiguously create system. Rather, bars 'unless specifically finds change control.' clear meant cover at least nonvolitional changes injury death family making sole surviving son. Government urges 'objectively identifiable' 'extraneous' events circumstances. contends both 'circumstance' meaning control. We need take sides somewhat theological debates about nature 'control' one's own conscience phrasing forced many federal courts. since language free doubt, obligated regard controlling reasonable, consistently applied administrative such. Immigration Naturalization Stanisic, 395 62, 72, 89 1519, 23 101; Thorpe Housing Authority, 393 268, 276, 518, 523, 21 474; Udall Tallman, 380 1, 16—17, 85 792, 801, 13 616; Bowles Seminole Rock & Sand Co., 325 410, 413—414, 65 1215, 1217, L.Ed. 1700. 10 argues identical effect unambiguous rule hypothecated above, which, said, clearly rule, statute. plausible construction actual regulation, though admittedly possible one. Given ambiguity language, rational confine likely prove manageable putting undue burdens administration appears, moreover, position urged litigation when foreclosed adverse precedent. 11 There remains conditions validity discussed met practice. appears undisputed presents prima facie complies inservice cognizability, duty involving minimum practicable asserted beliefs.9 thus evident armed forces policy substantially meets requirement combat 12 As absence land, pertinent inconsistent phrasing, perhaps sharp division courts appeals. They contain appearing recognize obligation hear alleged also formulations seeming look other way.10 assured, letter included briefs General Counsel Department Army Justice, practice allows exists possibility crystallizers find themselves forum press claims.11 Our conclusion based assurance.12 For if, contrary assurance, situation should neither nor available established criteria, see supra, different presented. prevailing hold misconstrue barred allegedly arose Accordingly judgment Circuit 14 Affirmed. 15 Mr. Justice DOUGLAS, dissenting. 16 stuffy judicial notion inductee's realization 'conscientious' Regulation1 belied experience. Saul Tarsus good witness:2 17 'Now journeyed approached Damascus, suddenly heaven flashed him. And fell ground heard voice saying him, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?' 'Who you, Lord?' 'I am Jesus, whom persecuting; rise enter city, told what do." 18 stories sudden conversion legion religious history; them, deal and, sincere, them even come received. 19 holds remedy these claims. say, late, prior processed personnel. 20 This Regulation for, I commonplace experiences. here religious, ethical, philosophical attitudes commonly summarized capsule reference 'conscience'. therefore tour de force say required. Certainly result mandated Act.3 Since not, choice really involves policy. Faced hesitate matters authorities. 22 Chief Stone, coming Bench, served two lawyers named Wilson screen World War I. One three military, civilians. In account wrote, said:4 '(I)t relatively small residue nonreligious brought Board its real perplexities. While associated convictions, all experience teaches supreme moral imperative sometimes actuates men choose course action preference another adhere costs may dissociated recognized President's order expressly against participating although religious. How detect presence distinguish mere extremist support less novel social political theories individualistic resistance majority, sees petulant disobedience ill-disciplined child, difficult task.' 24 mind reacted violently priest civilian. story unpleasant one: 'The phrase 'well-recognized sect' rigorous interpretation, objections foundations got short shrift. Such either 'shot musketry,' 'imprisoned terms court martial,' indignities physical violence 'by patriotic fellows."5 27 Another account6 same: 'In camp prison alike, often cruelty. Some beaten; others hung fingers doors cells way feet barely touched floor. case, don army uniform kept damp cell, where contracted pneumonia died. His dead body dressed life spurned, attired, sent home family. number absolutists went hunger strikes fed forcibly.' According accounts, treatment II severe But main disciplinary device give man court-martial failure obey order. 'Here punishment varied, common sentences five ten years, infrequently reduced review Washington. Sentences whole much lighter imposed courts-martial First severe, average, meted civil Second War. general several barracks Army, instances 'rehabilitation center,' gave prisoners second chance 'reform'; 'reformation' place, barracks. periodic automatic clemency reviews, initial six months sentence subsequent reviews once each year.'7 (Emphasis added.) 29 placed Appendix dissent summary recent (1969) record center, showing how Jones Lemond, 396 1227, 20, treated. 30 suggest detention center Armed Services like brig Treasure Island, Francisco Bay. Nor treated cruelly plaintiff Lemond case. however my 'fair game' top sergeants 'yellow streak' coward un-American. never easy asserting Amendment rights Services. 31 What happen is, course, measure transpire hearings. educated values; reflect humanistic, values germane ferreting genuine. 32 decisions considerable latitude findings. On hand Gillette Negre Larsen, 401 437, 828, 168, particular qualify status. hand, Seeger, 163, 850, 733, 308, demonstrate broad humanistic grounds. subtleties positions noted, '§ 6(j)'s exclusion 'essentially political, sociological, merely personal code' (not) exclude strong our domestic foreign affairs participation wars founded extent considerations public policy.' U.S., 342, S.Ct., 1798 (opinion Black, J.) (emphasis added). 33 Thus Court's interpretations 6(j) lack sincerity, oppose wars, rest 'solely policy, pragmatism, expediency.' Id., 342—343, 1798. Decision individual entitled requires great sensitivity part final say. 34 Ehlert's itself falls somewhere Welsh. addition raises pragmatism respect human values. nature. stated came 'the intellectual atmosphere University surroundings natural workings eager-to-know questioning mind.' refusing 'that purpose country today preparation nuclear orgasm totally destructive values.' Form 150 toward end destruction race. consider race superior duties relation.' added use 'would probable race.' 35 sufficiently close foreclose sensitive area Gillette, yet beyond factfinders dealing former preferred. 36 Moreover, proof objector's usually before. exigencies far neighborhood, place friends associates know chances hearing lessened relegated procedures. reasons ambiguities law favor pre-induction relegate regime philosophy, Amendment, supreme. 37 Beyond arguments constitutional Induction violate privileges engrained Amendment. compelled heart West Virginia State Education Barnette, 319 624, 63 1178, 87 1628, children Jehovah's Witnesses protested salute flag. said: 38 'Struggles coerce uniformity sentiment thought essential waged evil men. Nationalism phenomenon times places ends racial territorial security, dynasty regime, plans saving souls. moderate methods attain unity failed, bent accomplishment resort ever-increasing severity. governmental pressure becomes greater, strife bitter shall be, Probably deeper people proceed provocation finding doctrine program educational officials compel youth unite embracing. Ultimate futility attempts coherence lesson effort *. Those begin coercive elimination soon exterminating dissenters. Compulsory unification opinion achieves unanimity graveyard. 39 'It trite Constitution designed avoid avoiding beginnings.' 640—641, 1186—1187. 40 objectors, taking step forward violating conscience, wearing revolting saluting flag Barnette case.8 bearing arms, acting orderlies, hospitals, rebels. sorting sifting varieties best civilians military. Regulations permit procedure protective involved here. 41 affirmance below. APPENDIX TO OPINION OF J., DISSENTING 42 September 15, 1969, entered stay 50. Navy discharge enlistment. allegation days file application discharged objector. unable filing hearing. AWOL later surrendered himself help advice pressed 43 reach controversy, view representations restrained confining according affidavits me become house horror. 44 'After room approximately 45 minutes, Foreman 'He escape risk sentenced months—he phone anyone.' Immediately speak, Marine Sergeant opened door said 'empty your pockets, f—-er.' began empty pockets 'hurry up, Goddamnit.' When finished emptying 'up wall—spread arms legs.' spread wall 1/2 apart. kicked legs 'Move further.' stretched possible, couple sure possible. frisked me, slapping shoving wall. so-called frisk, handcuffed hands behind 'Alright, let's go—one f—k-up I'll bust f—kin head open.' taken Brig stand front fence nose canvas. stood attention canvas into control room. 46 'About minutes Sergeant. pockets.' pen chow offered 'don't point f—ker, put s—t hat.' emptied everything hat. 'put ground.' Sergeant, 'he's still pretty salty—I picked thinks he's tough.' reply was, worry, won't tough, him.' 'spread turd.' started kicking yelling, hole.' yelling down 'what's wrong pussy can't up—get up.' up again. knees stopped 'can't squid?' so. pushed face canvas, slapped neck punched sides, yanked crotch dungarees painfully legs, pinched 'alright now attention.' frisking back contents 47 verbal harassment, cell. 48 'A hours orange badges march in. live Annex cells, per Corporal badge running fast enough exercise period. push-ups collapsed. Then hitting crying screaming stop. compound run last 49 'Dinner cell ate floor meals. 'Early evening harassing confinee locked suicide Suicide risks sit cold clothes on, nothing pair underwear. antagonizing crying. Once succeeded breaking laughing, 'why don't kick ass noise?' 51 next day hair-cut. cut hair while doing dropped clip couldn't it. let catch talking they'll ass.' quiet. 52 coughing shut up. Two Corporals joined stop pulled dive cup pretending grenade. diving bottom 53 wasn't grenade drills turn-key out. fold blanket pick locker office. office Sergeants Staff types phrases, 'you'll back, f—ker you'll get it.' footlocker extended seemed forget moment. 54 'Then realized lawyer, Don Jelinek Loren Basham, member Resistance, outside car apparently insisted remaining released. 'This guy (Jelinek) pissed off charged 'get out." psychiatrist (pointing medical building us), responsible anything do.' added, minute going go blow heads off.' 55 gain himself. MP turned 'Just try boy, love 56 saw Lawyer spoke afraid answer fear beat shoot us. 57 worked anger keeping Brig. Now Order gotten Brig, feel kill again.' BRENNAN, MARSHALL joins, 58 1625.2, CFR 1625.2 (1971), relieves deferment whenever mailed relieved necessity considering receipt because, court's view, registrants beliefs. 332 (CA9 1970). unnecessary grips comes controlled 'a interpretation.' Ante, 105. 59 cannot defer discover. All cases cited ambiguous informed interpreting applying litigation. cited, ante, Cf. Citizens Preserve Overton Park Volpe, 402, 419, 814, 825, 136 (1971). national regulation. information presently indicates state head-quarters North Carolina interpreted 'late crystallization' occurring Brief Petitioner, n. 53. If anything, suggests prevail. record, hardly think properly decision. 60 ambiguous. context applicable exemption, 'circumstances' refer relevant eligibility exemption. deferment, plain question, therefore, 'over score, fully agree Judge Merrill below: 61 'One simply believe reject implication suffer loss failed bring heel. 62 'Conscientious objection, truth, contradiction Just honestly dictated banished holder, so, conversely, belief conveniently subject holder conscientiously entertained.' F.2d, 339. sum, late-crystallization personnel boards, designated appropriate decisionmakers cases, processing. dissent. (1971) provides, part: '(T)he reopened Report Civilian Work Statement Employer 1967, 12(a), U.S.C.App. 462(a) (1964 ed., Supp. V), '(A)ny person refuses manner knowingly fail neglect refuse execution shall, district competent jurisdiction, punished imprisonment years fine $10,000, accord Al-Majied Muhammad, 364 223, 224 (CA4); Davis 374 (CA5); Taylor, 351 228, 230 (CA6) (semble). Contra, Gearey, 368 144, (CA2), 379 915 (after remand), cert. denied, 389 959, 88 335, 368; Scott Commanding Officer, 431 1132, 1136 (CA3); Nordlof, 440 840 (CA7); Keene 266 378, 384 (CA10); Swift Director Service, 448 1147 (CADC). Stoppelman, 406 127, 131 (CA1) (dictum), 981, 2141, 769. set limits penalty forfeiture noncompliance, questioned court. See, e.g., 149 (CA2). begins: 'Nothing contained construed who, belief, opposed form.' 6(j), 81 Stat. 104, 456(j) V). Ibid.: 'Any claiming inducted assigned defined President, service, board, prescribe, equal prescribed (Military 4(b), 454(b)) contributing maintenance health, safety, interest pursuant Presidential deem intolerable, decision settling merits. Whether open question. Of claimant utilize observe publicized cutoffs forfeit faced fill monthly quotas, standards govern mission train inductees members units maximum effectiveness morale. Defense Directive 1300.6, VI B (May 10, 1968): 'With portion request non-combatant following actions taken: '2. Pending employed involve *' 635—20, 6a (July 31, 1970): '(I)ndividuals submitted formal applications retained applications. trainees, study, use, weapons. 3: 'a. Consideration requests separation war, form, develops entry 'b. Federal laws interposed timely constitutes waiver Requests entering favorably when— '(1) Based existed, claimed enlistment appointment.' IV 2. 'You soldier fixed Present grants cases.' additionally explains composition operation I—O Conscientious Objector Review Board, responsibility discharges. composed senior officer, officer Advocate Corps, chaplain, Medical Corps officer. Only votes approve application. reports prevailed 1965, C.F.R. Acts 3—6 (rev. Standard ed. 1952). V): form. used subsection, term 'religious belief' include essentially views, code.' Objector, Col.U.Q. 253, 263 (1919). A. Mason, Harlan Fiske Stone: Pillar Law 102 (1956). M. Sibley P. Jacob, Conscription Conscience (1952). 108. Freeman, 388 246, 248 249.

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