Document: 393 U.S. 483 89 S.Ct. 747 21 L.Ed.2d 718 William Joe JOHNSON, Petitioner,v.Harry S. AVERY, Commissioner of Correction, et al. No. 40. rgued Nov. 14, 1968. Decided Feb. 24, 1969. Karl P. Warden, Nashville, Tenn., for petitioner. Thomas E. Fox, respondents. Mr. Justice FORTAS delivered the opinion Court. I. 1 Petitioner is serving a life sentence in Tennessee State Penitentiary. In February 1965 he was transferred to maximum security building prison violation regulation which provides: 2 'No inmate will advise, assist or otherwise contract aid another, either with without fee, prepare Writs other legal matters. It not intended that an innocent man be punished. When believes unlawfully held illegally convicted, should brief state his complaint letter form and address it lawyer judge. A formal Writ necessary receive hearing. False charges untrue complaints may Inmates are forbidden set themselves up as practitioners purpose promoting business writing Writs.' 3 July petitioner filed United States District Court Middle 'motion law books typewriter,' sought relief from confinement building. The treated this motion petition writ habeas corpus and, after hearing, ordered him released disciplinary restored status ordinary prisoner. void because effect barred illiterate prisoners access federal conflicted 28 U.S.C. § 2242.1 252 F.Supp. 783. 4 By time order entered, had been building, but put cell block entitled fewer privileges than were given prisoners. Only when promised refrain assistance inmates regular conditions privileges. At second March 1966, explored these issues concerning compliance officials its initial order. After reaffirmed earlier 5 appealed. Appeals Sixth Circuit reversed, concluding did conflict right corpus. According Circuit, interest preserving discipline limiting practice licensed attorneys justified whatever burden might place on 382 F.2d 353. II. 6 This has constantly emphasized fundamental importance our constitutional scheme,2 Congress demonstrated solicitude vigor Great Writ.3 steadfastly insisted 'there no higher duty maintain unimpaired.' Bowen v. Johnston, 306 19, 26, 59 442, 446, 83 L.Ed. 455 (1939). 7 Since basic enable those incarcerated obtain their freedom, courts presenting denied obstructed. For example, validly make available only who could pay $4 filing fee. Smith Bennett, 365 708, 81 895, 39 (1961). And that, indigent well affluent prisoner, post-conviction proceedings must more formality. instance, obligated furnish able it, transcript equivalent recordation prior hearings use further proceedings. Long Court, 385 192, 87 362, 17 290 (1966). Cf. Griffin Illinois, 351 12, 76 585, 100 891 (1956). 8 urges, however, contested case part State's administration prisons. There doubt detention facilities functions. They subject authority where paramount statutory rights supervene. clear, instances regulations applicable such rights, invalidated. 9 Lee Washington, 390 333, 88 994, 19 1212 (1968), racial segregation by good discipline. We held, constitutionally prohibited, although we careful point out affirmed, made allowance 'the necessities discipline.' Id., at 334, 994. Ex parte Hull, 312 546, 61 640, 85 1034 (1941), invalidated required petitions first submitted authorities then approved 'legal investigator' parole board 'properly drawn' before being transmitted court. Here again, urged requirement But violated principle officers abridge impair petitioner's apply court corpus.' U.S., 549, S.Ct., 642. Cochran Kansas, 316 255, 257, 62 1068, 1069, 86 1453 (1942). 10 can adopt enforce rule forbidding poorly educated file petitions. adopted which, absence any source prisoners, effectively does just that. concluded '(f)or all practical purposes, if cannot have 'jailhouse lawyer,' possibly valid claims never heard court.' F.Supp., 784. record supports conclusion. 11 Jails penitentiaries include among high percentage persons totally functionally illiterate, whose educational attainments slight, intelligence limited.4 appears equally true Tennessee's facilities.5 12 most courts, appoint counsel passes judicial evaluation determined presented calling evidentiary E.g., Taylor Pegelow, 335 147 (C.A.4th Cir. 1964); ex rel. Marshall Wilkins, 338 404 (C.A.2d 1964). See 1915(d); R. Sokol, Handbook Federal Habeas Corpus 71—73 (1965).6 13 there general obligation federal, indicate, more, they wish eek relief. See, e.g., Barker Ohio, 330 594 (C.A.6th Accordingly, claim usually rests upon prisoner himself help within walls system. except themselves—usually few old hands exceptionally gifted prisoners—the is, effect, unless available. 14 indisputable 'writ writers' like sometimes menace petitioners often so unskillful them.7 But, supra, declaring invalid prosoners' pleadings screened officials: 15 'The considerations prompted (the regulation's) formulation merit, 16 provide alternative provided inmates. warden confined stated free notarization prisoners' That obviously meets requirement. He also indicated allowed examine listing Nashville telephone directory select one write effort taking case, 'on several occasions' contacted public defender request inmate. contention, system defenders. contends '(t)here absolutely reason believe would fail notify advise them complete inability, mental physical, application own behalf,' contention fact ever done so. far short showing demonstrate depriving fellow not, substance, deprived unable themselves, reasonable adequacy, petitions, statutorily protected availability contrast, States,8 supplies trained attorneys, paid funds, consult regarding least employs senior students interview prisons.9 Another voluntary program whereby members local bar association periodic visits cases.10 express judgment plans, existence indicates techniques alternatives elects prohibit mutual 18 Even alternatives, impose restrictions restraints acknowledged propensity abuse both giving seeking preparation applications relief: limitations location activities imposition punishment receipt consideration connection activities. Hatfield Bailleaux, 632 (C.A.9th 1961) (sustaining work petitions). until provides some relief, here issue, barring furnishing prisoners.11 reversed remanded consistent opinion. 20 Reversed remanded. DOUGLAS, concurring. 22 While I join add words emphasis important thesis case. 23 increasing complexities governmental apparatus levels difficult person process even complaint. Social virtual maze; hierarchy governs urban housing intricate takes expert know what agency jurisdiction over particular complaint; office call official see noise abatement, broken sewer line, fallen tree mystery many metropolitan areas. 24 assertable faraway D.C., helpless, evidenced tendency constituents rely congressional delegation identify, press, claims. 25 think grist mill lawyers. becoming abundantly clear ferreting basis agencies responsible preparing almost endless paperwork prosecution laymen. enough lawyers manage supervise affairs; much requires special talent. Yet closed-shop philosophy profession cuts down drastically active roles expressed New York denying Neighborhood Legal Services permission offer broad legal-aid type service indigents: 26 '(I)n corporation, supported antipoverty executive staff, responsibility hire discharge staff very top lowest lay echelon lawyers.' Matter Community Action Services, A.D.2d 354, 360, 274 N.Y.S.2d 779, 787 27 traditional, attitude utterly modern world1 pile tracing pursuing patience wisdom layman rather skills member bar. 'If poverty overworked, delegated sub-professionals. permits under certain supervised conditions. Approval granted appellate division. rung two lower profession's ladder laymen technicians, comparable nurses lab assistants medical profession. Large firms employ them, seems why used services programs relieve professional tasks.' Samore, Poor, 32 Albany L.Rev. 509, 515—516 (1968). 29 Sparer, Thorkelson, & Weiss, Lay Advocate, 43 U.Det.L.J. 493, 510—514 30 plight respects acute outside. need collateral test legality detention2 against management system3 defective detainers lodged create burdens nature status.4 grievances civil outside prison. His imprisonment give wife grounds divorce factor determining custody children; pressing social security, workmen's compensation, veterans' claims.5 31 demand heavy, supply light. private matters nature, nonexistent. criminal proceedings, sparse.6 statutes providing counsel,7 do not.8 Some California represent hearings, once succeeds making prima facie case.9 result, hand papers decision prisoner's substance. Many needs early stage weed frivolous claims.10 Aid Societies, sponsored National Defender Association, Most offices, obligations f communities freemen, satisfactory prisoners.12 same thing OEO-sponsored function community, leaves soon taken prison.13 cases, defenders beyond walls. often, authorization matters.14 33 experimented designed especially community. Bureau Prisons led way allowing penitentiary Leavenworth, Kansas. then, encouraged similar Lewisburg (University Pennsylvania Law School) elsewhere. Emory University School Atlanta school Los Angeles now about reach inside describing Kansas said: 34 experience Leavenworth shown attacks (prison) administration; prospective litigation felt cause action great cases. large activity disposing long outstanding addition, handles domestic relations problems compensation tangible success, someone listen analyze beneficial effect. * students, courts.'15 35 difficulty ad hoc resting shifting population worthy though be, meet daily demands.16 desperation, selected act 'jailhouse' remaining inmates.17 aid, defenders, assigned spread too thinly serve prisons adequately.18 begun standardized forms, hope laymen.19 found satisfactory.20 36 Where government fails demands, generates own. community illiteracy deficiency notoriously high, ask lawyer.21 Without meritorious light courtroom. cases succeeds, speaks itself. fails, medium expression:22 37 'It unusual, subculture created law, wherein exist creatures try reclaim previously enjoyed society. upheavals occurring American structure reflected environment. Prisoners, having real imagined grievances, protest them. peaceably assemble avenue open Prison writ-writers compare dissenters *. 38 'Many said positive plans future knew (indeterminate) sentences end. seem feel living vacuum fates arbitrarily law. One writ-writer aptly summed majority's view words: 'When arrived discovered one, including officials, how my was, resort fighting keep sanity.' Psychologically, writ-writer, course relieves tensions anxieties system.'23 view, share, useful therapy. Apart considered exclusive prerogative lawyer. Laymen—in 'next friend' paper document claim, hold practicing Bar. 40 cooperation laymen, lawyers, '(r)easonable courts'24 indigents us. 41 WHITE, whom BLACK joins, dissenting. 42 true, majority says, Writ, through simply illiterate. inexperienced adequately secures opportunity present Having mind matters, argument, rules reasonably adequate alternative, others say words, apparently extent interfere advice me, gets task, surely accorded all. refuse pay, actually competent help, realities leave mercies advising event problem incompetent needing exacerbated dealing mounting flow inadequate misconceived 44 admits 'is indisputable' jailhouse 'are them.' putting mildly. severe, serious, disadvantages clients unacceptable. 45 Although capable, necessarily best amateur minds devoted lawyering. Rather, aggressive domineering personalities predominate. served clients, weaker gullible. assert aim truth justice, self-aggrandizement, profit, power. expertise consideration, establishing power structure, quite apart warden, guards, trusties seeks maintain. Those serves come morally sway release, repay obedience minor gifts favors client refuses violence aided clients.* 46 expected emerge highest quality. Codes ethics, champerty, maintenance, frequently little meaning lawyer, solicits vigorously can. itself, outright lies lawyer's since procuring trip jail hearing contentions writer's credibility convicts improved. 47 notes, relatively easy prepare: facts rise judge appointing appropriate. buttress unregulated system, undermines it. To submit difficult— understand one's possible support task. informed articulate (not same) altruism. qualities combined man, are, perfectly help. jails characteristically populated intelligent benign, capable altruists rare indeed. On hand, illiterate; whether convict solved subjecting false hopes, dominance, inept representation average unsupervised 48 say, therefore, Johnson, convicted rapist conduct wide discretion regulating, disciplined violating aiding particularly Penitentiary Johnson offers. No testified guards functionaries really client's lawyer's, protection. 49 If ignorant substantial, better sanction encourage spontaneous systems decide matter directly ensuring papers. Ideally, perhaps furnished seek examination. am inclined agree DOUGLAS neither nor require As opinions various impossible discharge. met establishment regulated rights. Selection scholarship d character assure received him, 'practice' reduce likelihood coerced fees blackmail. legislative sustained evils lawyering justify proscription conclusion carefully controlled satisfies 50 Regretfully, dissent. 2242 part: 'Application shall signed verified acting behalf.' Fay Noia, 372 391, 822, 837 (1963). §§ 2241—2255. Note, Constitutional Law: 'No-Assistance' Regulations Jailhouse Lawyer, 1968 Duke L.J. 343, 347—348, 360—361. Department Departmental Report: Fiscal Years 1965—1966, 1966—1967. procedure appointment 'if necessary.' Tenn.Code Ann. 40—3821, 40—2019 (Supp.1967). Spector, Librarian Looks Writ-Writing, 56 Calif.L.Rev. n. 4, 349, 27, 359. Rossmoore Koenigsberg, Indigent Prisoner, Rutgers 611, 619—622 (1957). testified, considering setting Vanderbilt applications. worth, stop helping existence. designated writ-writer. reversing relied restrict regulation. control exercised abrogate federally NAACP Button, 371 415, 328, 405 (1963); Sperry Florida, 373 379, 1322, 428 event, involved relief—though historically traditionally benefit dedicated generally, performed Title contemplates situations prepared funded Office Economic Opportunity (OEO) noted rejected called Services. finally directors 158 N.Y.L.J. 72, pp. 1, (1967). Reitz, Corpus: Postconviction Remedy 108 U.Pa.L.Rev. 461 (1960). Hubanks Linde, Imprisoned, Briefcase 214 (1965). Temin, Report County Prison, 343. L. Silverstein, Defense Poor Criminal Cases Courts: Preliminary Summary (Amer. Bar Foundation Mass.L.Q. 293 (1964); O.E.O. Services—A Symposium, Catholic Law. 92—174 (1968); Inmates, 1967 Wis.L.Rev. 514; Uelmen, Post-Conviction Relief Prisoners Under 2255: Survey Suggestion, 69 W.Va.L.Rev. 277 Ill.Rev.Stat. c. 38, 122—4 (1967); Ore.Rev.Stat. 138.590 Comment, Right Counsel Review Proceedings, 51 970 People Shipman, Cal.2d 226, Cal.Rptr. 397 P.2d 993 Indigent's Collateral Proceedings California: U.C.L.A.L.Rev. 446 'Lawyers generally fifty dollar fee travel ones sum next obvious. examining transcripts conducting independent investigation facts, immediately action. Lacking money spend considerable researching documents, Sometimes years pass discovers told weeks—that lacks merit. militantly prosecuted actions wasted release state, shouldering counsel, dissipated taxpayers' manpower costs.' Larsen, Prisoner 345—346 (1964). Representation Defendants Courts, Harv.L.Rev. 579 Indigents California—A Field Study Public Assigned Systems, Stan.L.Rev. 522 (1961); Gardiner, Defects Present Service Remedies, Tenn.L.Rev. 505 (1952); Assistance Petitions, 887 Mancuso, System (1959). Barkin, Impact Changing Upon Policy, J. 3, (1969). Cornell Clinic, 790, 273 444. Wilson, Project 254 5, 53—54, 192 200 353 348—349. Freund, Remarks, Corpus—Proposals Reform, Utah 18, 347—348 'Reasonable (secured Constitution laws o States), guaranteed due clause fourteenth amendment. concerned, recognized 1034. Write Ragen (324 760, 762, 65 978, 1348).' 632, 636 1961). Krause, Lawyer Librarian, 345—347; 514, 520—522; 887, 891,

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