Document: 355 U.S. 184 78 S.Ct. 221 2 L.Ed.2d 199 Everett D. GREEN, Petitioner,v.UNITED STATES of America. No. 46. Reargued Oct. 16, 1957. Decided Dec. Messrs. George Blow and Rublee II, Washington, D.C., for petitioner. Mr. Leonard B. Sand, respondent. Opinion the Court by Justice BLACK announced DOUGLAS. 1 This case presents a serious question concerning meaning application that provision Fifth Amendment to Constitution which declares no person shall '* * be subject same offence twice put in jeopardy life or limb *.' 3 The petitioner, Green, was indicted District Columbia grand jury two counts. first charged he had committed arson maliciously setting fire house.1 second accused him causing death woman this alleged if true amounted murder degree punishable death.2 Green entered plea not guilty both counts tried jury. After each side presented its evidence trial judge instructed it could find under count either (1) (2) count. treated murder, is defined Code as killing another with malice aforethought imprisonment term years life,3 an offense included within language charging indictment. 4 found but did on charge degree. Its verdict silent charge. accepted verdict, proper judgments dismissed sentenced one three years' five twenty He appealed conviction murder. Appeals reversed because supported remanded new trial. 95 U.S.App.D.C. 45, 218 F.2d 856. 5 On remand again original At outset raised defense former court overruled his plea. time given mandatory sentence. Again appealed. Sitting en banc, rejected jeopardy, relying Trono v. United States, 521, 26 121, 50 L.Ed. 292, affirmed conviction. 98 413, 236 708. One concurred result, judges dissented expressing view been placed violation Constitution. We granted certiorari, 352 915, 77 217, 122. Although raises number other contentions here we necessary consider only claim jeopardy. 6 sonstitutional prohibition against 'double jeopardy' designed protect individual from being subjected hazards possible more than once offense. In Commentaries, greatly influenced generation adopted Constitution, Blackstone recorded: 7 auterfoits acquit, acquittal, grounded universal maxim common law England, man brought into offence.'4 8 Substantially taken Ex parte Lange, 18 Wall. 163, at page 169, 21 872: 9 'The prohibited punishment offence, went further forbid whether suffered not, acquitted convicted.'5 10 underlying idea, deeply ingrained least Anglo-American system jurisprudence, State all resources power should allowed make repeated attempts convict offense, thereby subjecting embarrassment, expense ordeal compelling live continuing state anxiety insecurity, well enhancing possibility even though innocent may guilty. 11 accordance philosophy has long settled acquittal final, ending defendant's when 'not followed any judgment, bar subsequent prosecution offence.' States Ball, 163 662, 671, 16 1192, 1195, 41 300. Thus elemental principles our criminal Government cannot secure means appeal appear erroneous. supra; Peters Hobby, 349 331, 344—345, 75 790, 796, 99 1129. Cf. Kepner 195 100, 24 797, 49 114; Sanges, 144 310, 12 609, 36 445. Moreover essential guilt innocence returned defendant have so Court, most others, position before discharged without consent again. Wade Hunter, 336 684, 69 834, 93 974; 128, 804, 114. general see American Law Institute, Administration Criminal Law: Double Jeopardy 61—72 (1935). prevents prosecutor discontinuing appears might convict. regarded having come end those cases where 'unforeseeable circumstances arise during (the first) making completion impossible, such failure agree verdict.' 688—689, 837, 974. 13 convicted obtain except certain narrow instances.6 As harsh rule discarded courts legislatures provided obtained reversal own offense.7 Most justified ground appellant 'waived' asking set aside.8 Other viewed attached reasoning until became final.9 But whatever rationalization, also held can prior aside appeal. 14 case, however, much different question. Green's authorized (killing while perpetrating felony) or, alternatively, aforethought).10 again, refused way involved appeal.11 For reasons stated hereafter, conclude Constitution.12 15 direct peril punished forced run gantlet him. When choice between finding chose latter. situation great majority country jury's implicit murder.13 result need rest alone assumption, believe legitimate, reason here, returning express consent. Yet full opportunity return extraordinary appeared prevented doing so. Therefore seems clear, established came retried brief, differently, purposes expressly read: 'We degree.' trial, appeal, indisputable resulting fire. A would absolutely barred convincingly demonstrated erred failing And after appealing still unsuccessful. 17 Nevertheless contends constitutional successful improper accept paradoxical contention. 'Waiver' vague used variety purposes, good bad, law. normal sense, connotes some kind voluntary knowing relinquishment right. Johnson Zerbst, 304 458, 58 1019, 82 1461. wholly fictional say 'chooses' forego order erroneous lesser short, meaningful choice. Holmes observed, regard matter 135, 897, 114: 'Usually waiver expressed thought of. Moreover, imagined deny prisoner correction fatal error unless waive rights important saved clause States.' It Kepner, arising Philippine Islands statutory double Court's holding prosecution. argued there 'case' finally settled, all, how many times tried, Court. completely accord entrenched principle prosecuted uniformly adhered basic premise. example, 300, unanimous held: 19 reviewed, otherwise, putting defendant) violating constitution.' 20 796—797, 1129; Using purports analogous alternatively argues appealing, prolonged placing argument untenable. Whatever said notion secured If surely initial continued every indictment adjudicated. 22 Reduced plain terms, must surrender valid Or terms willing barter protection price imprisonment. opinion faced 'choice' takes 'desperate chance' securing judgment does place incredible dilemma. Conditioning coerced exacts forfeiture conflict jeopardy.14 23 argues, conclusive precedent jeopardy.15 arose Islands, shortly they annexed sharphy divided took guarantees were 'applicable' insular possessions, particularly imposition these disrupt customs. Downes Bidwell, 182 244, 770, 45 1088. defendants instead them assault. They assault Supreme That court, acting peculiar local procedures modeled pre-existing Spanish practices, review facts substitute findings judge, their increased sentences. Peckham, writing himself Justices, waived said: 25 do right limit appeals stands appeals, complete forth No wrest use chooses waives, successful, avail greater 533, 124. join Peckham result. Just year before, 807, 114, sharply denounced 'waiver' indefensible. There nothing indicates views changed meantime. pointed out above, dissent Kepner—that acquittal—on part rather contention consistently 27 Chief justice Fuller Justices Harlan, White, McKenna Trono. wrote White Harlan. During course stated: 28 'It is, effect, sought review, statute, minor convicted, try acquitted. I think guaranties constitutions laws construed. submit seeks convictions legal ways, affords rulings judgments, freely means. clog conditions forfeit exercise rights. 29 Here decision supports exposition (Peckham) opinion. Opposed concensus text books overwhelming weight decided cases.' pages 538—539, 540, 125. 30 extended beyond factual control present case. All pertaining Islands—a territory just recently conquered long-established alien law.16 Even then apparent unable conclusion destroyed already fact, rationalizations advanced justify Holmes, who effectively demonstrated, 'waiver theory' totally unsound hand Holmes' theory never outwardly Court.17 31 rationales offered support unduly impair vital safeguard society, dearly won continue highly valued. protections are narrow, grudging deprived significance. feel compels us contrary letter spirit Amendment. 32 Reversed. 33 FRANKFURTER, whom BURTON, CLARK HARLAN join, dissenting. 34 basis following concluded petitioner Constitution.1 35 Petitioner D.C.Code, 1951, § 22—401. 22—2401, caused Bettie Brown. submitting count, count; contending suport sustained claim. ordered that, since degree, instruct issue. 856.2 indictment, death. Appeals, nine sitting conviction, rejecting petitioner's Federal 708, Judge Edgerton Judges Bazelon Fahy 37 Since derived history, significance scope determined, simply taking words dictionary, considering (its) origin line growth.' Gompers 233 604, 610, 693, 695, 1115. 38 common-law pleas autrefois acquit Vaux's Case, Co.Rep. 44a, 45a, 'the cause Likewise life, once, hence consequence, fairly upon prosecution, competent jurisdiction plead accusation crime.' Bl.Comm. 335. To previously 'abhorrent England.' Regina Tancock, Cox C.C. 220; King Emden, East 437, 445—447. 39 rooted indispensable requirement civilized procedure, inevitably tradition English Colonists Massachusetts Body Liberties 1641, early compilation drawn statutes declared 'No twise Civill Crime, Trespasse,' 'Everie Action betweene partie partie, proceedings delinquents causes briefly destinctly Rolles Recorder thereof. actions afterwards againe vexation man.' Colonial Laws 43, 47. 40 First Congress, proposed Bill Rights, task founded ancient precedents legislation grown colonial experience necessities. principle's undisputed, clearly defined. Fear newly required 'an explicit avowal Constitution) plainest best relation citizens, rules law.' People Goodwin, Johns., N.Y., 187, 202. ratifying amendments considered citizen Government, New York surprising fact Hampshire embodied provision. Poore, Constitutions, Charters Organic (2d ed.), 1282. bill convention, transmitted Congress ratification declaration 'no Person ought Life Limb Offence, nor, impeachment, Offence.' Documents Illustrative Formation Union, H.R.Doc. 398, 69th Cong., 1st Sess. 1035. doubtless Madison drafted States. introduced House what specific concern these: subject, Annals Cong. 434. Debate Committee Whole evidenced members understood principle. fear Madison, prohibit convicted. Representative Benson objected presumed meant 'that man's offence; yet known, entitled trial.' 753. Others spoke agreed although extend aside. amended Senate, S.J., 77, eventually ratified substantially understanding 42 concerned debating Madison's proposal, length Story circuit Gibert, 1834, Fed.Cas. 1287, 1294—1303, 15,204. robbery high seas, capital moved Story, consideration authorities, grant duly jurisdiction. According view, applied equally exception benefit. Earlier, non-literal Perez, Wheat. 579, 165, where, discharge failed See Commentaries (1833), 659—660. 43 Story's prohibited, rate instances, granting felony undoubtedly correct, Mawbey, T.R. 619, 638, occasion made depend prohibiting Queen Murphy, L.R.P.C. 535, 547—548; Attorney-General Bertrand, 520, 531—534; Scaife, Q.B. 238. day ordinarily quashing defendant, Appeal Act, Edw. VII, c. 23, s. 4(2), efforts met would, spirit, offend 176 H.L.Deb. (5th ser. 1952) 759—763. 44 old practice courts, generally exercised date spite provisions Fries, Dall. 515, 701 (treason); Morrison, Parker Cr.R., 625, 626—643 (rape). Keen, 686, 687—670, 15,510, rendered McLean, circuit, vigorously motion 'guarantees hung, danger 690. federal position, Williams, 636, 641, 16,707; Harding, 131, 136—138, 15,301, statements cast doubt validity. 173—174, 872, Clifford dissenting 201—204. Hopt Utah, 104 631, 873; 110 574, 202, 262; 114 488, 972, 183; 120 430, 614, reversals convictions. Finally, 662—671, 1192—1195, Two writ directions quash affirming said, 'it quite clear procures anew convicted.' 672, 1195. literal reading provision, eye exclusively interests defendants, 'once jeopardy,' benefit hazard recognized, wooden interpretation distort prejudice society's ligitimate interest convicting as, distorted defendants. Murphy Commonwealth Massachusetts, 177 155, 158—160, 639, 640—641, 711. 46 precise now 15,301. jointly manslaughter, allow decide take abide Grier warned defendants: 47 'You understand weigh you stand. You higher grade penalty affixed death; (escaped). let me solemnly warn make. Another acquitting altogether, whole thus your lives become 138. 48 assuming evidently drew familiar background courts. versed traditions, abiding obtaining entire open re-examination, seemed legally speaking course. Not 1905, fifty Harding passed Islands. plaintiffs proceeded instance complaint accusing charge, Philippines, exercising similar conferred Audiencia law, instance, crime 'homicide,' imposed instance. claiming action Philippines contravention contained Act July 1, 1902, Philippines. statute relied Stat. 692. language, will noted, identical relies. calls later consideration. lower reversal, appellate tantamount canvassing precedents, better doctrine jury, opens up controversy, acts been.' permitting retrial laid down supra, retried, really intended to, and, properly construed, cover circumstances, annulled request 534, 51 left turn surviving peculiarities itself. presented,' 'as country, it, accused, whether, accorded, 530, 123. dissenters dispute precisely implications. Harlan earlier Rights principal observed 'Let remembered dealing right, discusses 539, 52 underscored before. plaintiff charged. Attorney General Solicitor contended construed light prevailing ceded Brief pp. 29—38; General, 34—44. Under Audiencia, extension preliminary constituted continuous terminate final Audiencia. 53 Government's tradition, purpose 'to carry some, least, jurisprudence islands, engraft people, jurisdiction.' 'This require determination (of Amendment) islands Congressional action, act possessions 121—122, 125, 801. suggestion enumerated 'in sense construing instrument U.S., 124, 802. dissenting, 'of importance, immediate bearing administration but, necessarily latter instrument.' 134, 806. 54 legislative history inevitable enactment Amendment, notwithstanding procedures, construe President McKinley, famous instructions Commission, dated April 7, 1900, leader Bar, Secretary War Elihu Root, 55 Commission bear mind, people plainly understand, government governmental system, deem maintenance freedom, have, unfortunately, denied possessed us; practical preservation liberty maintained aske happiness, customs procedure familiar. evident enlightened fully appreciates importance rules, short command assent. Upon division branch therefore, inviolable rules: 56 'That liberty, property due process law; private public compensation; prosecutions enjoy speedy informed nature accusation, confronted witnesses him, compulsory favor, assistance counsel defense; excessive bail required, nor fines imposed, cruel unusual inflicted; Public p. LXVI.3 57 out, 'These carefully collated embody almost verbatim safeguards liberty.' adopted, President's instructions, fundamental engrafted onto historical context acted leaves actuated Same 'certain LXVI. fashion novel specially adapted thought. contrary, over developed decisions cases, itself, emphasized Weems 217 349, 367 368, 544, 549, 793. decisions, authority emphatically only, stood. entailing free obtained. dissatisfied remotely upheld accused's go adopt espoused obviously none Indeed, explicitly wrong. 59 Many show conscience rested construction itself binding judiciary. Burton 202 344, 378, 688, 697, 1057, continental referred confined Brantley Georgia, 284, 514, 768, manslaughter Due Process Clause, comprehensively 'was 285, 515. 60 Of special relevance Stroud 251 15, 17—18, 50, 51, 64 103. 'guilty punishment.' recommendation punishment. human values, scarcely distinguish name carries significantly punishment, namely 61 formal disclaimers made, neither reliance half century permits today overrules decision. so, furthermore, far less persuasive whereas relies 'implied acquittal' based silence Surely suggestion, interpreted confidence silent. Every lawyer knows verdicts logical products, considerations preclude accurate guessing deduction. Insofar speak 'acquittal,' give description result: one, content prosecute very presented, obtains reversal. additional stating, self-evident proposition, has, 'acquitted' defendant. 62 peculiarly likely raise doubts By instructing warrant gave compromise lenity available. two, elements charged, judge's instruction permitted undisclosed reason, render irrational verdict. 63 unmindful, questions involved, stare decisis, whose circumspect observance wisdom institution transcending moment difficult problems confront us. indistinguishable Furthermore, called generated changing concepts minimum standards fairness, Clause requires. Instead, contours product history. passage enough, cnviction borne mind rightness overturning quality overruling well-established deemed wanting preceded allowable retrying time, policy favorem vitae, foreclosed erecting rule. treats question, supervisory answered therefore undertake affect. 65 Such approach misconceives makes absolute disregard society. Palko Connecticut, 302 319, 149, 153, L.ed. 288, permit 'fundamental justice.' State's 'free corrosion substantial error' sufficient sustain State, conduct permissible Fourteenth wisely ignored tracting limits Government. Nor ignore body condemns violative 'vital society.'4 restricts jurisdictions purpose, poewrs. 66 Undeniably framers oppression secure, through callousness prosecutions, vouch. hand, aware countervailing vindication justice, sets outer crimes. agree, certainly obviously, consented trial—he prefer had—but continuation together re-examination issue violence behind Clause. balance represented propriety issues appropriate unjust. likewise, parties errors claimed prejudicial. Trono, 67 affirm judgment. 22—2401. 'Whoever, sound memory discretion kills attempting perpetrate arson, section 22—401 Section 22—2404 provides 'punishment electrocution.' 22—2403. 'Whoever aforethought, (s) 22—2401 another, 22—2404. years.' Blackstone's 669, 1194, 300: punished, jeopardy; acquitted, Stephen, History c.x; 'nullity,' example matter. England (21st ed. 1950), 284. warrants, increase Halsbury, (Simonds 1955), 539—541, cited there. See, e.g., Brewster Swope, Cir., 180 984; McCord, Kan. 232, Am.Rep. 469; Cross Commonwealth, Va. 62, S.E.2d 447; Smith 196 Wis. 102, 219 N.W. 270. Aus, 105 Mont. 82, P.2d 584. Griffin Illinois, 351 12, 18, 76 585, 590, 100 891. substance offenses separate alternative stake noted previous refusal problem position. Annotations A.L.R. 1160, L.R.A.,N.S., 959, 571. course, provisions. collected n. Annotation 1406. (commonly 'felony murder') involves establish fail comprehand aids place, proved Goodall 86 148, 397, A.L.R.2d 1070; important, immaterial not. thing distinct anything, classified 'a offense' buttresses unconstitutionally uniformity offenses, other, secures related Annotation, With concede 38—39, squarely 288; Kring Missouri, 107 221, 443, 506, controlling trials 103, distinguishable. successfully asked observations effect Those remarks decisive. Cohens Virginia, 264, 399, 257; Humphrey's Executor 295 602, 626—627, 869, 873, 79 1611. attributed vote ours traditionally judge. opinion, recognized Phillippine procedures. 'nor reversing that: 'In seeking which—if before—the manifestly desperate chance. suffer penalty. oral inquired consequence success told appellant, age, says prefers spending prison. 48, 856, 859. These guidance commission headed William Howard Taft. 1912, W. Cameron Forbes, Governor Taft 'what formation was, written McKinley Commission. work read (Judge Taft) suggestions modifications main intact.' 130, 2. address 1913, 'had conspicuous relations indorsement, few documents country. arms. issued commander-in-chief Army Navy glad leave intervention four years. done establishing Root civil military authority. Subsequently, assumed responsibility, formally supplemented remaining charter liberties Filipino people.' 500. offense: Colorado.—See Young People, Colo. 293, 298—307, 130 P. 1011. Connecticut.—See Lee, Conn. 265, 271—278, A. 1110, L.R.A. 498; Palko, 122 529, 541, 191 320, 113 628, 288. Georgia.—Brantley 132 Ga. 573 574—579, S.E. 676, L.R.A., N.S., 768; Perdue 134 302—303, 810. Indiana.—See Bradley, Ind. 548, 549—558; ex rel. Lopez Killigrew, 403—406, 174 N.E. 808, 74 631. Kansas.—State 240—244; re Christensen, 166 675—677, 203 258. Kentucky.—Hoskins 152 Ky. 805, 807—808, 154 S.W. 919. Mississippi.—Jones Miss. 52, 60—73, 109 So. 1146, proceed forma pauperis want 273 96, 71 817 (citing States); Butler 91, 170 148. Missouri.—See Simms, Mo. 538, 540—541; Stallings, 334 5, S.W.2d 643. Nebraska.—Bohanan Neb. 57, 58—77, 390, submission escape error, Bonahan 125 692, 1390, 854; Macomber 137 882, 896, 291 674. Nevada.—In Somers, Nev. 531, 532—539, 103 1073, 504; Teeter, 584, 200 657. Jersey.—See Leo, N.J.L.J. 340, 341—342, 356. York.—People Palmer, N.Y. 415—420, 213; McGrath, N,.y. 445, 450—451, 96 92. North Carolina.—State Correll, 229 N.C. 640, 641—642, 717; Matthews, 142 621, 622—623, 342. Ohio.—State Behimer, Ohio St. 572, 576—582; Robinson, App. 466, 470—472, N.E.2d 141. Oklahoma.—Watson Okl.Cr. 377, 379—390, 224 368; Pierce 76, 79, 248 633. South Carolina.—See Gillis, 73 S.C. 318, 319—324, 487, 571; Steadman, 216 588 592, 168. Utah.—State Kessler, Utah 142, 144—147, 293. Vermont.—See Vt. 465, 472—474, 238; Pianfetti, 236, 246—247, 84. Washington.—State Ash, 68 Wash. 194, 197—203, 995, 611; Hiatt, 187 226, 71. eight Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Nevada, York, Ohio, Oklahoma, extent defining four, Colorado, Mississippi Carolina, Vermont recognize prohibition. Alabama.—See Thomas 255 Ala. 632, 635—636, So.2d 340. Arkansas.—Johnson Ark. 31, 32—46; Hearn 212 360, 361, 205 477. California.—People Gilmore, Cal. 376; Gordon, 227, 228—232, 901; Hess, Cal.2d 171, 175 176, 288 5; Keefer, 234—235, 818; McNeer, Cal.App.2d 22, 27—30, 1018; Moore, 56, 84 57. Delaware.—See Naylor, Boyce 99, 114—115, 117, Del. 90 880. Florida.—State Landis Lewis, 118 Fla. 910, 911 916, 160 485; McLeod 128 35, 37, 466; Simmons 156 353, 354, 803. Illinois.—Brennan Ill. 511, 517—519; Newman, 360 232—233, 645. Iowa.—State Tweedy, Iowa 350, 353—358; Coleman, 226 968, 976, 285 269. Louisiana.—See Harville, 171 La. 256, 258—262, 348. Michigan.—People Farrell, 146 Mich. 266, 269, 272 273, 294, 440; Gessinger, 238 627 629, 214 184. Mexico.—State Welch, N.M. 559, 211; 109, 113, 1019. Oregon.—State Steeves, Or. 85, 107—111, 947; Wilson, 172 373, 382, 680. Pennsylvania.—Commonwealth Deitrick, Pa. 70 275; Flax, 331 145, 157—158, 632. Tennessee.—See Slaughter Tenn. 410, 413—415; Reagan 155 400—402, 293 755. Texas.—Jones Tex. 168, 184—185; Brown Tex.Cr.R. 19, 21—22, 267 493; Hill 126 80—81, 409; Joubert 136 219, 220—221, 124 Beckham 141 438, 442, 148 1104; Hall 145 192, 167 532; Byrd, 157 595, 597 598, 537. Virginia.—Stuart Grat. 950, 953—964; Taylor 186 587, 589—590, 906. West Virginia.—See Franklin, 139 W.Va. 64, Wisconsin.—Radej 503, 511—513, 140 21; B—-, 173 608, 616—628, 474; Witte, 243 423, 427—431, N.w.2d 117; Evjue, 254 581, 586—592, N.W.2d 50. Virginia Texas, Mexico effect.

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