Document: 416 U.S. 600 94 S.Ct. 1895 40 L.Ed.2d 406 Lawrence MITCHELL, Petitioner,v.W. T. GRANT COMPANY No. 72—6160. Argued Dec. 4, 1973. Decided May 13, 1974. Syllabus The Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure makes available to a mortgage or lien holder writ sequestration forestall waste alienation the encumbered property. While is obtainable on creditor's ex parte application without notice debtor an opportunity for hearing, will issue only upon verified affidavit and judge's authority (with respect parish involved in this case) after creditor has filed sufficient bond. may immediately seek dissolution writ, which must be ordered unless proves grounds issuance (existence debt, lien, delinquency), failing court order return property assess damages, including attorney's fees, debtor's favor. Respondent-seller suit against petitioner New Orleans City Court overdue balance price certain personal that had purchased under installment sales contract respondent vendor's lien. On respondent's application, trial judge accordance with procedure prior denied petitioner's motion dissolve asserted ground, inter alia, seizure violated Due Process Clause Fourteenth Amendment. appellate courts affirmed. Held: not invalid, either its face as applied, and, considering whole, it effects constitutional accommodation respective interests buyer seller by providing judicial control process from beginning end, thus minimizing risk wrongful interim possession, protecting interest every way except allow him initial putting possession party who able furnish protection loss damage pending merits. Fuentes v. Shevin, 407 67, 92 1983, 32 556, distinguished. Pp. 603—620. 263 La. 627, 269 So.2d 186, Robert J. Hobbs, Orleans, La., petitioner; John W. Reed, brief. Thomas O'Sullivan, York City, respondent; Marshall Favret, Mr. Justice WHITE delivered opinion Court. 1 In case, state made sale goods whose delinquency prayed enforce law. whether Amendment because was parte, hearing. 2 * February 2, 1972, Grant Co. First Louisiana, petitioner, Mitchell. petition alleged Mitchell refrigerator, range, stereo, washing machine, unpaid purchase said items amount $574.17. Judgment sum demanded. It further should sequester merchandise outcome suit. accompanying Grant's credit manager swore truth facts complaint. also reason believe would 'encumber, alienate otherwise dispose described foregoing during pendency these proceedings, necessary premises.' Based affidavit, affording Court, Arthur O'Keefe, then signed 'a herein' 'the Constable take into his articles petition, plaintiff furnishing bond $1,125.' Bond having been respondent, issued, along citation Mitchell, citing file pleading make appearance city within five days. recited filing order, March 3 issued 2.1 at seized 7, claimed, first, were exempt law second, Clauses State Federal Constitutions occurred defend right property.2 came hearing 14 stipulated existed items, arguments counsel heard, 16 denied. held ruled provisional enforced through sequestration' denial due 'To contrary,' said, 'plaintiff insured defendant's proceeding Law opposed any type self-help have defendant process.' refused disturb rulings court, Supreme expressly rejecting claims pressed Constitution. 186 (1972). We granted certiorari, 411 981, 93 2276, 36 957 (1973), now affirm judgment II Petitioner's basic proposition he substantial sequestered property, necessarily forbade circumstances presented here, we cannot agree. 4 Petitioner no doubt 'owned' contract, but title heavily encumbered. Co., provided secure price. Because Mitchell's subject defeasance event default paying installments him. His until paid full, greater than surplus remaining, if any, foreclosure satisfaction outstanding claims. See La.Code Civ.Proc.Ann., Art. 2373 (1961).3 Grant, measured monetary value diminished payments made, security steadily over time put intended use purchaser. 5 Plainly enough, case where exclusively debtor. question creditors, pendente lite, they hold present sought seized. reality both current, real definition rights matter Resolution account those well. 6 With duality mind, are convinced applied. Sequestration statutes modern counterpart ancient civil device resolve conflicting Historically, two principal concerns that, resolution dispute, deteriorate wasted hands possessor latter might sell goods. A minor theme official intervention violent retaliation. Millar, Judicial Louisiana: Some Account Its Sources, 30 Tul.L.Rev. 201, 206 (1956). 7 provide 'one ownership propety, mortgage, privilege thereon . power conceal, of, revenues therefrom, remove parish, action.' 3571. however, conclusory allegation possessory rights. Article 35014 provides shall 'only when nature claim thereof, relied clearly appear specific facts' shown affidavit. arose, clear showing required judge,5 authorization seeking bond6 protect vendee all damages improvident.7 Arts. 3501 3574. 8 statute entitles 'proves issued,' 3506, existence delinquency, favor debtor, fees.8 9 moving sequestration, regain own ultimately win object sequestration. 3507 3508.9 10 our view, statutory parties. accept broad assertion guaranteed issues judicially resolved full adversary proceedings completed. certainly Court's precedents can limited actions possession. Indeed, Timber & Mfg. Gray, 236 133, 35 279, 59 L.Ed. 501 (1915) (Holmes, J.), upheld such limitations Louisiana. Bianchi Morales, 262 170, 43 526, 67 928 (1923); Lindsey Normet, 405 56, 862, 31 accordingly narrowed one action—default, debtor—before taken. 11 As claim, payment price, purpose foreclosing recovering balance. By complaint entitle immediate undiminished deterioration buyer. Wholly aside buyer, destroy away goods, consumer undeniably intendecd use, resale decline used period time. Any anticipates much, normally protected buyer's keep pace security. Clearly, cease continue, seller's irretrievably eroded held. 12 entitled recognize somewhat more seller. This did Parish authorizing judge. At same time, being deprived up guarantee expense, mistaken improvident. permitted Absent bond, unprotected inevitable remained unlike creditor, does stand ready opposing turns out wrongful. 13 Second, there conceal transfer considerations weighed permitting An important factor connection law, expires transfers follows vendor retain superior other creditors imperative occurs foreclose possibility convey third parties whom survive. danger destruction guarded before supplied. itself warning acting bad faith. Third, scant support cases final determination entitlement even temporarily contrary, seems apparent disputed need establish probability succeed warrant bonded Cf. Bell Burson, 402 535, 91 1586, 29 90 (1971); Ewing Mytinger Casselberry, 339 594, 70 870, 1088 (1950). stage delinquency. These ordinarily uncomplicated matters lend themselves documentary proof; think comports permit sworn documents, followed early proof. stake minimizes wrongfully potential award available, successful well avoiding interrupting transaction, contributes risk. 15 Fourth, remain unconvinced impact deprivation household here overrides inability whole supplied, low procedures employed. Finally, following execution cutting bare minimum creditor- court-supervised avail himself opportunity, hardly expect argument severity carry much weight, assuming source income unimpaired. 17 requirements 'are technical, nor particular form necessary.' Inland Empire Council Millis, 325 697, 710, 65 1316, 1323, 89 1877 (1945). guarantees 'no procedure; protects rights.' NLRB Mackay 304 333, 351, 58 904, 913, 82 1381 (1938). 'The very negates concept inflexible universally applicable imaginable situation.' Cafeteria Workers McElroy, 367 886, 895, 81 1743, 1748, 1230 (1961); Stanley Illinois, 645, 650, 1208, 1212, 551 Considering reached rspective III 18 asserts disturbed nonetheless mandated long line culminating Sniadach Family Finance Corp., 395 337, 1820, 23 349 (1969), 556 pre-Sniadach heard precede actual private property.'10 Their import, so it: merely finally do deal pretermination post-termination provided. usual rule '(w)here involved, mere postponement enquiry process, given ultimate liability adequate.' Phillips Commissioner, 283 589, 596—597, 51 608, 611, 75 1289 (1931). Scottish Union National Ins. Bowland, 196 632, 25 345, 352, 49 619 (1905); Springer United States, 102 586, 593—594, 26 253 (1881). generality sufficed decide relatively cases. For example, (1950), multiple seizures misbranded commerce "when Administrator probable cause found, officer employee Agency article material misleading injury purchaser consumer." Id., 595—596, 871. challenged, administratively concerned concentrate alfalfa, watercress, parsley, synthetic vitamins, combined package mineral tablets. There suggestion possible threat health. sole labeling sustained saying '(w)e repeatedly preliminary requisite administrative becomes effective.' 598, S.Ct., 872. 'It sufficient, concerned, some determination.' 599, 873.11 19 More precisely point, unanimously approved prejudgment attachment liens effected notice, 'nothing common alleging advance dependent effect result suit.' fact first instance agent familiar method Georgia open objection.' Coffin Bros. Bennett, 277 U.s. 29, 31, 48 422, 423, 72 768 (1929). To earlier Ownbey Morgan, 256 94, 41 433, 837 (1921). Furthermore, based Coffin, later constitutionality Maine statute. McKay McInnes, 279 820, 344, 73 975 (1928). nonresident sued collect debt resident State. statute, integral part instituting suit, attached properties defendant, kind. sustaining procedure, 127 Me. 110, 141 A. 699 (1928), designed create outset litigation. 'Its simply levied obtained.' 115, A., 702. deemed 'part remedy collection debt,' ibid., represented practice 'had become fully established Massachusetts, was, adoption Constitution.' 114, affirmed opinion, Coffin. 20 supra, like dealt '(a) procedural satisfy attachments general' 'necessarily case,' 'gives forms.' U.S., 340, 1822. garnishment wages—'a specialized presenting distinct problems economic system.' Ibid. '(t)he leverage wage earner enormous' 'prejudgment Wisconsin practical drive wage-earning family wall,' absent 341—342, Sniadach, observed abuse valid claims, minimized protections offered procedure. Nor what speed could challenge validity garnishment, obviously rest wages, seized, since their availability leave job. suing attached, purport govern typical brings attach wages repossess sold retained soon Florida Pennsylvania replevin issue. Those secured sold, supervision, help sheriff operating clerk behest carried participation, kind violative Clause. holding mainstay submission here. But decided factual legal background sufficiently different us require invalidation applied case. 21 examination authorized repossession approval, participation. employed, clerk. perceived '(t)here requirement applicant convincing seizure,' 73—74, 1991; one' condition clerk's writ. 74, 1991. defendant-buyer 'eventually' 'as action ..' 75, considered essentially 'not ever merits replevied property.' 77, 1992. obliged initiate repossession, formally allege replevied. distinguished where, least summary relative disputing stepping dispute taking them.' 80, 1994. 22 mandates considerably but, systems, suffice authorizes Moreover, judge, obtained. unsupervised mercy functionaries. end.12 measures adopted minimize lead taking. buttressed provision dissolved 'damages writ' fees 'whether merits.' 3506. judged context determined proceeding. accord policy 'wrongfully detained.' 'fault' standard inherently adversarial input. driver's license suspended suspension premised fault standard, see Vlandis Kline, 412 441, 446—447, 2230, 2233—2234, 37 63 thought ill-suited determination. hand, relevant obtaining narrowly confined. indicated, proof particularly suited questions default. far less corresponding decrease utility event. 24 Of course, Fuentes, consideration remains. Under left limbo await occur, debtors schemes Fuentes. 'unless issued.' summarize, system seeks error creditor. conceivable way, allowing start with, done pursuit deem acceptable arrangement lite furnishes sensitive consequences, already foreseen antiquity, invalidating Doing increase violence, easily lessen See, Adams Southern California Bank, 492 F.2d 324 (C.A.9 1973).13 Here, hardship limited, strong interest, proceeds supervision management, prevailing loss. Our conclusion standards regulating constitutional. case.14 27 So ordered. APPENDIX TO OPINION OF THE COURT STATUTES 28 PROVISIONS LOUISIANA CODE CIVIL PROCEDURE 281. Certain District provisions Articles 282 286 apply deputy clerks Orleans. 282. Acts district may: (1) appeal fix day thereof; appeal, release fixed law; appoint attorney represent nonresident, absent, incompetent, unrepresented defendant; dismiss prejudice, plaintiff, exception, answer, filed; 33 283. Orders judgments 34 (2) executory fieri facias, attachment, sequestration; attchment 325. Right entry execution; assistance others resistance threatened mandate, enter lands, residence building, owned occupied defendant. 2373. Distribution 38 After deducting costs, pay seizing inferior mortgages, liens, privileges whatever remain. 3501. Petition; affidavit; 39 by, separate agent. sustain obtained wrongfully. 3504. Return sheriff; inventory sheriff, executing deliver written stating manner executed He annex Dissolution writ; 42 contradictory obtain issued. If dissolved, proceed dissolve, reconventional demand. Attorney's services rendered included element 44 3507. Release 45 46 3508. Amount 47 exceed one-fourth whichever lesser. 3510. Necessity Except 3513 (perishables), claim. Grounds 50 When thereon, action. Plaintiff's resulting issuance, dispensed 52 3576. 53 3507, ten days seizure, thereof 54 POWELL, concurring. 55 sweeping language, (1972), enunciated principle requires individual tangible however brief dispossession slight decision today withdraws significantly reach principle, extent I fair say overruled. 56 agreed arbitrary unreasonable provisions. me, unnecessary rule, especially altered settled rspect commercial transactions creditordebtor understandings. Narrower 57 applies governmental legitimate 'property' 'liberty' meaning Fifth accompanied safeguards, Arnett Kennedy, 134, 164, 1633, 1649, (separate Powell, J.); Board Regents Roth, 408 564, 2701, 548 (1972); Perry Sindermann, 593, 2694, 570 sequestered. Petitioner, vendee-debtor contractual obligation continue payments. Respondent, vendor-creditor, depends function affected. Restaurant Goldberg Kelly, 397 254, 263—266, 1011, 1018—1019, 287 (1970). instant reasonable framework rules facilitate basis. obvious defaulting destroy, encumber deprive particulaly actute vitiated transferring addition, continued diminishes value. impose serious Against concern balanced uninterrupted unjustified. sure, period, significant inconvenience. temporary place 'brutal need' situation. supra; supra. 60 my satisfied requires, precondition invoking State's aid adequate neutral magistrate relief requested. accorded promptly determine controversy, burden 61 sub judice satisfies differs materially Fuentes.1 factually detained post-seizure eventually competing 62 contrast, agent.' (1961). (creditor) points well, elaborate them further. brief, essential prerequisites represents fairer balancing therefore agree challenge. 64 STEWART reproves adhering strictly doctrine stare decisis. Post, 1913—1914. decisis promotes consistency predictability decisions wise appropriate most instances. never absolute bar reconsideration decision, interpretation.2 Where errs construction correction always accomplished legislative Revision interpretation, often impossible matter, cumbersome route amendment. prerogative duty re-examine precedent reasoning understanding Constitution fairly called question. And rationale doubtful validity, stand. Chief Taney commented century ago, 'always discussion supposed founded error, (so) (out) hereafter depend altogether force supported.' Passenger Cases, (7 How.) 283, 470, 702 (1849). 66 Procrustean marked departure past teachings process.3 stated eviscerated sounded death knell panoply field.4 alone justifies re-examination premises. reviews length, join reaffirmation traditional process. STEWART, DOUGLAS MARSHALL concur, dissenting. 68 remarkably similar purchaser-in-possession afforded rebut allegations summarily taken agents containing pro forma purported Since completely charged issuing little formal sufficiency plaintiff's ordering possession.1 69 State, claimant, seizes another, claimant's possess analysis began exceptional circumstances,2 encompassed Amendment's preceded affected heard. went debtor-vendee's 'temporary, nonfinal (this) (is) 'deprivation' terms Amendment.' 85, 1996. Accordingly, circumstances. Matters posting allegations, length deprivation, simplicity underlying comparative 'importance' 'necessity' determining provided, identical otherwise. Thus, permits adhere dissent upholding Louisiana's 71 noted, says three reasons: 'specific justify instead court; (3) default,' hearing,' 618. explicitly rejected each factors ground difference decision. distinctions relate solely creditor-vendor secures purchaser's routinely purchaser, difference. met fills blanks documents presents completed forms court. Although standardized information challenged substitute test strength applicant's belief gain stake, too great confidence misplaced. Lawyers judges phenomenon mistakenly firmly view prevail, quite willing costs litigation.' 83, 1995. 74 Similarly, signs significance. Outside Parish, performed nothing suggest changed amended vest rather parish. comments declare revision 'mak(e) change law.'3 Whether functionary clerk, ascertain simple ministerial act.4 distinction finds between equally insubstantial. 'particularly suited' determination, contrast 'inherently input,' supra 617, is, absolutely distinction. states default.' Supra, 617. depended different; needed White acknowledged dissent, 'there basis (the creditor-vendor's) 99 100, 2004. produces attempted cloth. 76 complexity decisive simple. formality scheduling undercut kind.' 87 n. 18, 1998 (citation omitted). success affect 77 surely prevail protests answer led defense enough invoke safeguards goods.' 87, 1997 (internal quotation marks 78 short, constitutionally indistinguishable in, dissent. light pointless prolong debate. Suffice reverse fails comport 79 add, word concern. me so. Roofing Wholesale Palmer, 108 Ariz. 508, 502 P.2d 1327 justified, thought, experience abandoned historic environment.5 Yet unmistakably overruled barely years old, pointing societal perceptions understandings total disregard 80 direct recent commands prohibit deprives person heard.6 short elapsed decided, many federal assessing comparable laws.7 No data brought attention indicate decisions, granting defenseless consumers rudiments worked untoward market relationships. perceivable makeup Court.8 firmer membership invites popular misconception institution political branches Government. lasting abiding mission serve. BRENNAN agreement reversal asked stove, washer. reason, unexplained parties, addressed stereo. actually sheriff. sheriff's return, furnished apparently record below, indicates 18th February, 7th. assumed consequence attaching choice dates, assume purposes pertinent Code, referred text, set Appendix opinion. 'good fear' damage, show fear. apprehension longer issue, Reporter's Comment (a) necessity 'power' irrelevant, lie Margolin, Law, Vendor's Privilege, 239 (1930); H. Daggett, Privileges Chattel Mortgages § (1942). provide, generally, writs 281 confines Parish. requires. areas outside previously $1,125. served 3504, thereafter responsible property's safekeeping. Johnson, Attachment Sequestration: Provisional Remedies Procedure, Tul.. L.Rev. 1, 21—22 (1963). plaintiff-creditor, 3576, Damages compensate restricted pecuniary They encompass social standing reputation humiliation mortification. 28. 'shall lesser.' relies on: Covey Town Somers, 351 141, 724, 100 1021 (1956); York, N.H. H.R. 344 293, 299, 97 333 (1953); Mullane Central Hanover Bank Trust 306, 652, 865 (1950); Griffin Griffin, 327 220, 635 (1946); Opp Cotton Mills Administrator, 312 126, 524, 85 624 (1941); West Ohio Gas Pub. Util. Comm'n, Ohio, 294 63, 316, 761 (1935); States Illinois R. 291 457, 471, 909 (1934); Virginia, 290 190, 148, 260 (1933); Goldsmith Tax Appeals, 270 117, 215, 494 (1926); Coe Armour Fertilizer Works, 237 413, 625, 1027 (1915); Londoner Denver, 210 373, 708, 1103 (1908); Wright, 207 127, 47, 134 (1907); Roller Holly, 176 398, 410, 520 (1900); Hovey Elliott, 167 409, 841, 215 (1897); Scott McNeal, 154 34, 1108, 896 (1894); Windsor McVeigh, 274, 914 (1876); Ray Norseworthy, Wall. 128, 116 (1875); Rees Watertown, 107, (1874); Baldwin Hale, 223, 531 (1864). Brief 10—11. Conceding irreparable business, responded: initiation serious. Take grand jury. returns indictment man guilt; determines guilty. conclusive cause. arrested trial. Beavers Henkel, 194 73, (24 605, 607, 882); Ex 241, 250 (53 129, 131, 283). liberty man. true prosecutor files charging violations harm business incalculable hand government stayed justified courts. Discretion abused. inquiry discretion exercised.' 873. approval not, contends, act. 'Since contained properly evaluate grounds.' Wright Hughes, 254 296—297 (La.Ct.App.1971) (on rehearing). Hancock Alexander, 643, 669 (1970), indebtedness money automobile, deed trust produced, test. stated: 'Strict conservatory uniformly Courts past. implicit remedies availed conditions exist; say, prerequisite proper to.' 653—654, So.2d, 672. (Emphasis added.) Zion Mercantile Pierce, 163 477, 112 So. 371 (1927), relies, contrary. 'file' papers requesting empowered advisability requiring study several years. number possibilities forward modify remedies, Uniform Commercial 9—503. Influenced preseizure model acts drafted Consumer Center: Act §§ 5.206—5.208 Model Credit 7.205 (1973). Other reforms reflected Report Commission Finance, Unied 30—31 Act, Wis.Stat.Ann. 421.101—427.105 (special pamphlet 1973); amendments Replevin Statute, Public 78—287, Ill.Laws Looking direction leaving intact Conference Commissioners Laws, Committee Working Redraft 5, Nov. 1973, 5.110, 5.112; Permanent Editorial Review Final Report, 9—503 (Apr. 25, 1971), together revised U.C.C., 1972 Official Text Comments, revealed various studies proposals, yet satisfactorily answered credit, particularly, mix cost. commentators throes debate, see, e.g., Symposium, Creditors' Rights, S.Cal.L.Rev. 1—164 unanswered. generally Note, Self-Help Repossession; Constitutional Attack, Legislative Response, Economic Implications, Geo.L.J. 273 whatsoever desirability proposed reforms. uncertainty evident current debate suggests caution rule. procedures. advised tide cautioned affirmance off riptide considerable consequences. perceive result. dealing landlords. clear, exception two, reported situations outset. outlined deficiencies Fuentes: 'There (under statute) are, fact, Rather, automatically allows summarily. complaint, initiating reciting fashion 'lawfully possession' 1991 (emphasis added). noted 'need lawfully 78, 1993. All "affidavit replevied." St. Joseph Stock Yards 298 38, 93, 720, 744, 1033 (1936) (Stone Cardozo, JJ., concurring result); Burnet Coronado Oil 285 393, 405, 406—408, 443, 446, 447—448, 815 (1932) (Brandeis, J., dissenting). Boys Markets, Inc. Retail Clerks Union, 398 235, 255, 1583, 1594, 199 (1970) (Stewart, concurring). primarily (1969). That pre-existing interest. readily distinguishable preexisting contract. depending paid, debtor's. mutual interests, safeguarded. overlooked vital point. recognized 'impose tremendous hardship' 'drive wall.' 1823. far-reaching implications rationale, Clark Landers, Beyond: Creditor Meets Constitution, Va.L.Rev. 335 authors form. Essentially, defeated alienates privilege, falls language 2000, correctly embrace rationale. discussing "extraordinary situations" stressed 'must truly unusual.' 90, 1999. Specifically, 'special demanding prompt 2000. effect, vendor-creditors conclusively presumed 'special' situation, regardless situation vendors meet 'extraordinary,' 'unusual,' wholly obliterated 90—93, 1999—2000. authorities cited 293 (La.Ct.App.1971), mean filled in. North Dakota Pharmacy Snyder's Drug Stores, 414 156, 407, 379 (1973); Brown Education, 347 483, 686, 98 873 (1954). (1970); (1969); (1971). Turner Colonial 467 202 (C.A.5 1972); Sena Montoya, 346 F.Supp. (N.M.1972); Dorsey Community Stores 103 (E.D.Wis.1972); Thorp Credit, Barr, 200 N.W.2d 535 (Iowa Inter Motor Sales Judge Common Pleas Detroit, Mich.App. 112, 201 378 Montoya Blackhurst, 84 N.M. 91, 500 Powell Rehnquist Members Shevin announced, argued, participate 'consideration decision.' 97, 2002.

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