Document: 371 U.S. 471 83 S.Ct. 407 9 L.Ed.2d 441 WONG SUN and James Wah Toy, Petitioners,v.UNITED STATES. No. 36. Reargued Oct. 8 9, 1962. Decided Jan. 14, 1963. Edward Bennett Williams, Washington, D.C., for petitioners. J. William Doolittle, Asst. to Sol. Gen., respondent. Mr. Justice BRENNAN delivered the opinion of Court. 1 The petitioners were tried without a jury in District Court Northern California under two-count indictment violation Federal Narcotics Laws, 21 U.S.C. § 174, U.S.C.A. 174.1 They acquitted first count which charged conspiracy, but convicted second substantive offense fraudulent knowing transportation concealment illegally imported heroin. Appeals Ninth Circuit, one judge dissenting, affirmed convictions. 288 F.2d 366. We granted certiorari. 368 817, 82 75, 7 23. heard argument 1961 Term reargument this Term. 370 908, 1254, 403. 2 About a.m. on morning June 4, 1959, federal narcotics agents San Francisco, after having had Hom Way surveillance six weeks, arrested him found heroin his possession. Way, who not before been an informant, stated arrest that he bought ounce night from known only as 'Blackie Toy,' proprietor laundry Leavenworth Street. 3 6 or seven went at 1733 sign above door establishment said 'Oye's Laundry.' It was operated by petitioner Toy. There is, however, nothing record identifies Toy Toy' same person. other officers remained nearby out sight while Agent Alton Wong, Chinese ancestery, rang bell. When appeared opened door, Wong told calling dry cleaning. replied didn't open until o'clock agent come back time. started close door. thereupon took badge pocket said, 'I am agent.' immediately 'slammed running' down hallway through living quarters where wife child sleeping bedroom. broke followed into reached nightstand drawer. drew pistol, pulled Toy's hand drawer, placed handcuffed him. drawer search premises uncovered no narcotics. 4 One '* * (Hom Way) says got you.' responded, 'No, I haven't selling any all. However, do know somebody has.' asked was, Johnny. don't last name.' described house Eleventh Avenue Johnny lived; also bedroom 'Johnny kept about piece'2 heroin, smoked some drug before. left located house. entered Yee After discussion with agents, bureau several tubes containing all just less than surrendered them. Within hour taken Office Bureau Narcotics. there brought four days earlier another 'Sea Dog.' 5 questioned identity Dog' Sun. Some including Sun's neighborhood pointed multifamily dwelling Sun lived. downstairs bell buzzer sounded, opening officer identified himself woman landing 'for Wong.' She 'in room sleeping.' climbed stairs apartment. handcuffs. A thorough apartment followed, discovered. Petitioner arraigned United States Commissioner complaint charging 174. Later day, each released own recognizance. similar filed next day recognizance.3 few days, both interrogated office ancestry.4 advised three right withhold information might be used against him, entitled advice counsel, though it does appear attorney present during questioning three. explained promises offers immunity leniency being could made. separately. prepared statement English rough notes. read interpreted certain portions Chinese. aloud agent, corrections made, made hand. would statement, however; agent's words 'he wanted if persons involved case signed theirs.' considerable difficulty understanding restated its substance refused although admitted accuracy contents.5 did testify petitioners' trial. Government offered principal witness excused invoked privilege self-incrimination flatly repudiated given Wong. That evidence nor testimony elicited identifying either source possession, otherwise tending support charges statute expressly provides proof accused's possession will conviction unless accused satisfactorily explains Government's prove (the exculpatory testimony) consisted items trial court over timely objections they inadmissible 'fruits' unlawful arrests attendant searches: (1) statements orally time arrest; (2) Yee; (3) pretrial unsigned statement; (4) statement. dispute below here has centered around correctness rulings allowing these evidence. 10 held illegal because based "probable cause' within meaning Fourth Amendment' 'reasonable grounds' Narcotic Control Act 1956.6 arrest, 'There is showing knew reliable,' and, furthermore, 'nothing circumstances occurring provide sufficient justification warrant.' 369, 370. As 'there Johnnie reliable informer.' nevertheless therefore properly 11 rejected two additional contentions insufficient corroborate admissions Yee, together corroborated admissions. contention confessions signed. point prejudiced, since have testified conversations produced statements. 12 believe significant differences between cases require separate each. shall consider I. 13 neither reasonable grounds probable cause arrest. Giving due weight finding, we think amply justified facts clearly shown record. basic warrant must stand upon firmer ground mere suspicion, see Henry v. States, 361 98, 101, 80 168, 170, 134, arresting need suffice convict. quantum constitutes cause—evidence 'warrant man caution belief' felony committed, Carroll 267 132, 162, 45 280, 288, 69 L.Ed. 543—must measured particular case. history use, infrequent abuse, power cautions relaxation fundamental requirements 'leave law-abiding citizens mercy officers' whim caprice.'7 Brinegar 338 160, 176, 1302, 1311, 93 1879. 14 Whether reliability particularity may act are more stringent absent, surely cannot then obtained. Otherwise, incentive now existing procurement warrants destroyed.8 threshold question case, therefore, whether could, impelled them act, procured issued available. 15 basis experience confidence Way's information; never information. And yet acted imprecise suggestion person somewhere Street, sold identification suspect informant constitute sufficiently accurate lead directly suspect. Draper 358 307, 79 329, 327. rule not, fit For aught discloses, accusation merely invited roam length Street (some 30 blocks) Toy's' laundry—and chance means say) came laundry, bore name unrevealing label 'Oye's.' Not slightest intimation appears record, oral argument, suggest giving reason equate 'Blackie' Toy—e.g., criminal consulted kind official list, narrowed scope their 16 conceded attempt obtain simple fact sparse command, consistently Rules Criminal Procedure, 18 Giordenello 357 480, 486, 78 1245, 1503.9 procedure serves insure deliberate, impartial judgment judicial interposed citizen police, assess credibility complaining adduces cause. Cf. Jones 362 257, 270, 725, 697. To hold own, unchecked discretion too vague untested permit accept warrant, subvert policy. 17 contends, defects somehow remedied events occurred arrived. Specifically, urged flight hall when supposed customer revealed adequately corroborates suspicion generated accusation. Our holding Miller 301, 1190, 1332, relevant here, exposes fallacy contention. noted lawfulness officer's entry 'must tested criteria identical those embodied 3109, deals execute 306, 1194. requires state authority purpose threshold, admittance, break insufficiently unclearly mission, occupant's regarded ambiguous conduct. reserved 'whether unqualified admit exception justifying noncompliance exigent circumstances.' 309, 1196. In instant afforded surer inference guilty knowledge suspect's conduct eventually disclose officer. affirmatively misrepresented mission outset, stating filed, dispelled misimpression engendered ruse. Gouled 255 298, 41 261, 65 647; Gatewood U.S.App.D.C. 226, 209 789. Moreover, effort time, indeed thereafter, ascertain named Way. Therefore, hypothesized 'without express announcement purpose, justify virtually certain' knows purpose. 310, refusal thus signified natural desire repel apparently unauthorized intrusion.10 Here, Miller, claims extraordinary circumstances—such imminent destruction vital evidence, rescue victim peril—see U.S., 1195—which failure truthfully in. 19 contrary mean transformed themselves provoked. 104, 172, 134. result essential vice proposition rejected—that inception validated what turns up. Byars 273 28, 47 248, 71 520; Di Re, 332 581, 595, 68 222, 228, 92 210. Thus conclude Appeals' finding uninvited likewise unlawful, fully remains seen consequences flow conclusion. II. 20 declarations excluded agents' action. order make effective constitutional guarantees sanctity home inviolability person, Boyd 116 616, 524, 29 746, nearly half century ago seized search. Weeks 232 383, 34 341, 58 652. exclusionary prohibition extends well indirect direct products such invasions. Silverthorne Lumber Co. 251 385, 40 182, 64 319. Holmes, speaking use obtained subpoena victims very documents viewed, expressed succinctly policy broad rule: 22 'The essence provision forbidding acquisition way so acquired Of course become sacred inaccessible. If gained independent proved like others, wrong proposed.' 392, 183. 23 traditionally barred physical, tangible materials invasion. follows our Silverman 365 505, 81 679, 734, Amendment protect overhearing verbal traditional seizure 'papers effects.' Similarly, matters observed invasion enforce policies. McGinnis Cir., 227 598. Thus, derives action 'fruit' illegality common fruits unwarranted intrusion.11 See Nueslein Columbia, 73 App.D.C. 85, 115 690. Nor policies underlying invite logical distinction physical Either terms deterring lawless officers, Rea 350 214, 76 292, 100 233, closing doors courts unconstitutionally obtained, Elkins 364 206, 1437, 1669, danger relaxing rules seem great introducing distinction. 24 argues bedroom, closely consequent admissible resulted 'an intervening free will.' This contention, takes account circumstances. Six broken heels sleeping. He almost arrested. Under unreasonable infer response purge primary taint invasion.12 25 contends should ostensibly rather incriminating. answers argument. First, soon turned incriminating, led implicated Second, induced declarations, immaterial termed 'exculpatory.'13 find substantial omit protection rule. III. 26 exclusion police. prosecutor candidly 'we wouldn't drugs except helped us to.' Hence envisioned application learned 'from source,' 183, 319; connection police discovery challenged 'become attenuated dissipate taint.' Nardone 308 338, 60 266, 268, 84 307. 'fruit poisonous tree' simply light actions Rather, apt 'whether, granting illegality, objection exploitation instead distinguishable purged Maguire, Evidence Guilt, 221 (1959). clear 'come illegality' hence IV. 27 decide whether, recognizance fruit Bayer, 331 532, 67 1394, 91 1654. Since concluded proofs remaining sustain Without scrutinizing contents recitals, reference corroborating admission arrive conclusion lines decisions converge it. line establishes guilt extrinsic corroboration; precedents holds out-of-court declaration declarant's partners crime. 28 settled principle administration justice rest uncorroborated confession accused.14 Smith 348 147, 153, 75 194, 197, 99 192, requirement corroboration rooted 'a long realization sound law enforcement investigations extend beyond accused.' Opper 84, 89—90, 158, 162—163, elaborated reasons requirement: 'In country doubt persists zeal agencies prosecution peace, self-interest accomplice, maliciousness enemy aberration weakness strain tinge warp confession. Admissions, retold trial, much hearsay, pending compulsion oath test cross-examination.' true supra, 'corroboration necessary elements established alone,' 'merely fortifies truth confession, independently establishing crime *.' 156, 199.15 furnish competent corroborative governing principle, decisions, While 'admissible others furtherance undertaking responsibility end conspiracy ends.' Fiswick 329 211, 217, 224, 227, 196. broaden narrow hearsay admits codefendant joint undertaking.16 Krulewitch 336 440, 443—445, 716, 718—719, 790. postconspiracy admitted, carefully ascertained limiting instructions considering respect anyone declarant. Lutwak 344 604, 618—619, 481, 489—490, 97 593; Delli Paoli 352 232, 236—237, 77 294, 297, 278. ruled squarely presented codefendant's serve even convict.17 different regulates admissibility, weight, import previous holdings co-conspirator's whatever, conspiracy. possible removed set aside lack V. 31 turn petitioner, occasion disagree also, grounds. At evidentiary question. On lawful arraignment, returned voluntarily later unsigned, whatever bearing credibility, render inadmissible; understood adopted substance, comprehend words. suggested impropriety interrogation itself 32 admissibility Yee. holding, compel required solely tainted relationship unlawfully connected surrender invaded privacy entitle object Goldstein 316 114, 62 1000, 86 1312.18 33 incompetent contained references itself. certain, considered corroboration. Petitioners raised introduction claim 'even purported interest defendant binding defendant.' judge, in, overruled objections, one. presume hearing intimate view alone Yee's date But might, factfinder, alone, sure scales tipped favor reliance particularly important nature here. 35 Surely, statute, raises presumption someone—generally possessor—violated law. once proved, offense—transportation importation drug—need separately demonstrated, corroborated. care ought area, crucial element admissions, requisite among trier facts. new 36 reversed remanded further proceedings consistent opinion. 37 ordered. 38 Judgment 39 (For concurring MR. JUSTICE DOUGLAS, 497, 422.) dissenting CLARK, 498, 423.) APPENDIX TO OPINION OF THE COURT. Statement JAMES WAH TOY 5, concerning SUN's narcotic trafficking 42 months. SEA DOG everyone calls met Marysville, California, holiday. drove Francisco occasion. Sometimes asks me drive places Francisco. 43 Sometime April May year, JOHNNY YEE's house, 11th Balboa Streets. call tell coming. paper package put table. Then YEE package. how it, spoons. myself yes. little bit across cigarette. 44 talked minutes, talking low tones hear saying. money change hands, wasn't paying attention. drove. gave $15.00. driving there. driven times altogether. Each $10 $15 doing heroin—enough cigarettes. Tuesday, 26, 1959. Wednesday 3, 10:00 p.m., called 'I'm coming pretty soon—I anything.' okay, bindle enough give ask any. gives friendship. quite times. remember many HOM WEI years dealt ED FONG year either. people Hop Sing Tong Club talk dealing FONG. JOHN MOW LIM BILL YEE. 46 foregoing my will, promise reward duress. ample opportunity initialed page thereof hereby best belief. _ _eof 48 wish mind date. addition knowledge. Corrections initials. 49 /s/ WILLIAM STATEMENT 50 approximately middle March, celebration. discussed sale JMAES get piece $450 BILL. 51 Shortly returning piece. JOHNNY. occasions, least JOHNNY—for friend TOY. pay $600 52 occasions JOHNNY's 606 Avenue, go upstairs There, smoke take use. 53 (arrested 1959) evening by. arranged meet piece, JAMES, thereafter 606—11th Ave. midnight rubber contraceptive small brown bag. 54 Again 3rd, arrested, prior evening, telephoned EV—6—9336. later. 1/2 left. 55 mentioned OYE's LAUNDRY, run home, number laundry. 56 consisting pages corrections, 57 _age SUN, unable English, 59 concurring. 61 join Court's inconsistent belief warrant. adhere views 273, 737, What Jackson, writing Johnson 333 10, 367, 436 (another case): 63 Amendment, often grasped zealous denies usual inferences men draw Its consists requiring drawn neutral detached magistrate judged engaged competitive enterprise ferreting Any assumption magistrate's disinterested determination issue making reduce nullity leave people's homes secure officers.' Pp. 13—14, p. 369. Chapman 610, 615—616, 776, 779, 828. finds unnecessary reach mention reiterate represents eroded fail today. whom HARLAN, STEWART WHITE join, dissenting. 66 puzzle involving participants: Blackie setting convictions dashed pieces heretofore recognized standards Instead 'probabilities,' 'the factual practical considerations everyday life prudent men, legal technicians, act,' 175, 1310, 1879 (1949), sets up rigid, mechanical standards, applying 20—20 vision hind-sight area ambiguity immediacy inherent unexpected present. 134 (1959), establish guilt. 312, 332, 327 sole hands 'man subject committed offenses. 543 (1925). decision faced initially courtroom scene totality facing weighed split-second occurrence unrealistic, enlarged announced place unnecessarily heavy dissent. character affair early purchased armed weeks narcotics, sought character. (as far shows) furnished gratuitously reads supposition contrary, directions officers—two ancestry—to hour. say face 'roaming' performance efficient work familiar habits practices Chinese-American inhabitants. Indeed, explicit approved supra. indicia reliability, however. Here informer, believed reliable,* purchase night. related buyer, good rely Rodgers (C.A.9th 1959), Thomas 281 132 (C.A.8th Cir.), cert. denied, 904, 239, 196 (1960). confronted discrepancies story hard Furthermore, stripped explanation stronger assuming point, Backie's daylight, 6:30 ancestry, knocked return 'pulled (his) badge' agent. slammed Wong's ran him—calling again Treasury Only family able looking denied deny 1332 (1958), Blackie's 'signified (by Toy) intrusion. *' incredible 'before fled, ruse.' behind slamming prizes non sequitur. pursued, continued identify ask, announce purpose? 70 unexplained flight—as here—from strong E.g., Husty 282 694, 240, 629 (1931); 166, n. 7, 1306; careful distinguish 'fleeing acting furtively.' 103, 172. always emphasized, delay serious consequences, i.e., hiding drugs. disapproval 'justification (with rule) exists circumstances, as, example, faith fleeing attempting destroy People Maddox, Cal.2d 294 P.2d 6.' continued, 'It that, already useless gesture. Martin, 755, 290 855; Wilgus, Arrest Warrant, Mich.L.Rev. 541, 798, 802 (1924).' Id. entire Miller. submit inapposite. interpretation Columbia. night, began bar entrance. voice' closed answered defendant's query saying, 'Police.' 303, 1192. differ significantly clarity extent reason, conclusions notice supported weakened 72 viewed separate, logic-tight compartments. (T)ogether composed picture meaningful trained, experienced observer.' Christensen 104 35, 36, 259 193 (1958). informed immediate arrest—as hall—was imperative prevent escape. 'poisonous whose evaluate, affirmed. discussed, infra, Sun, overturn findings courts. Dog,' disagreement Such 'does doubt, preponderance 199, 192 (1954). satisfied 'if Ibid; 101 part arrest—the 1959—he residence quantities totaling 'just ounce.' erred 74 corroboration, grants 'may' 'have corroboration' briefs. Despite goes lengths develop chain prejudicial error. plausible jury, cited error applied, judge. reverses excuse well. fact, affirm 174: 'Whoever fraudulently knowingly imports brings territory control jurisdiction, law, receives, conceals, buys, sells, manner facilitates transportation, concealment, conspires commit acts laws imprisoned five twenty addition, fined $20,000. subsequent determined section 7237(c) Internal Revenue Code 1954), offender ten forty 'Whenever drug, deemed authorize satisfaction jury.' 'piece' ounce. Record arraignment recites issued, dates, court, outstanding actual 4. states bond fixed amount $5,000, recommendation Attorney. respective motion Attorney, ordered Because ever signed, blanks dates inserted filled heading suggests informally date, formal 9. rubberstamp beneath signature foot reads, 'June 15, 1959.' full texts forth Appendix 7607, 7607: Commissioner, Deputy Assistant Department Treasury, customs defined 401(1) Tariff 1930, amended; U.S.C., sec. 1401(1)), may— '(1) carry firearms, warrants, subpenas summonses '(2) violations relating 4731) marihuana 4761) presence committing violation.' 'probable purposes substantially same. 331, 327; Walker, 246 519, 526. 485—487, 1249—1250, 1503; 16—17, 370, 436. generally 673, 695—701 (1924). implies conducted incident valid cf. Rabinowitz, 339 56, 430, 94 653, absence presented. us, Wrightson 95 390, 222 556, 559—560: 'But, can cause—if, words, untouchable warrant,—way bother warrant? obvious courts, attacked illegal, assume, facts, strike maintaining issuance blast columns law.' Procedure sworn constituting charged,' 'that derive, Warrants issue, cause, Oath affirmation, describing things seized.' (Emphasis added.) applies warrants. description operator hardly 'particularly better wholesale 'dragnet' condemned. See, e.g., Marron 275 196, 74, 76, 231; Kaplan, Search Seizure: No-Man's Land Law, Calif.L.Rev. 474, 480—482 (1961). Although petitioner's generate questions inescapably related. doubted probative value trials fled Alberty 162 499, 511, 864, 868, 1051, said: universally conscious done wrong, 'will pursue harmony innocent, right, proper,' matter entirely innocent sometimes fly fear apprehended parties, unwillingness witnesses. accepted axiom wicked flee pursueth, righteous lion." Hickory 160 408, 327, 474; Allen 164 492, 154, 528; Starr 627, 223, 577; Courts Vick 216 233 (C.A.5th Cir.) ('One motive likely another. Appellant guilty, conjecture suspicion'); Cooper 343, 218 39, ('After all, caught web frequently terror-stricken'). Heitner, 149 105 (C.A.2d Cir.). Kamisar, Illegal Searches Seizures Contemporaneous Incriminating Statements: Dialogue Neglected Area U. Ill.Law Forum 78, 84—96. compare Guilt 187—190. Lord Devlin's comment: today, ignorance formerly, still general you answer policeman, worse not.' Devlin, Prosecution England 32. Even oppressive rests principally nonconstitutional grounds, differentiate voluntary involuntary declarations. Hogan Snee, McNabb-Mallory Rule: Rise, Rationale Rescue, Geo.L.J. 1, 26—27 illustrative situations cure Bynum 368, 262 465 (holding fingerprints arrest); Watson, 189 F.Supp. 776 (excluding search). Circuit comes analogous context, 'all seized, affected illegality. Takahashi 143 118, 122. 92, 164, admissible, degree incriminating development requirement, Wigmore, (3d ed. 1940), §§ 2070—2071; Note, Proof Corpus Delicti Aliunde Defendant's Confession, 103 Pa.L.Rev. 638—649 (1955). rule, Underhill, (5th 1956), 402—403. comprehensive collection cases, Annot., A.L.R.2d 1316 (1956). Where involves damage property, show injury confesses occur, criminally culpable. notable example homicide death victim. 2072, 5. link, outside inflicted corpus delicti, implicate committed.' 198. Finally, standing unverified Calderon, 165, 186, 188, 202. Developments Law—Criminal Conspiracy, Harv.L.Rev. 922, 989—990 135: 'Even accomplice becomes fellows, comes. longer anything hope evidence; mistakenly entertain hope, gratify spite them.' 697, challenging lawfully 828, landlord consent tenant's premises. Edwards, Standing Suppress Unreasonably Seized Evidence, N.W.U.L.Rev. (1952). weeks. replied, so, yes, sir.'

Category: 0