Document: 346 U.S. 209 73 S.Ct. 1055 97 L.Ed. 1557 BRIDGES et al.v.UNITED STATES. No. 548. Argued May 4, 1953. Decided June 15, [Syllabus from pages 209-210 intentionally omitted] Mr. Telford Taylor, Washington, D.C., for petitioners. John F. Davis, respondent. Justice BURTON delivered the opinion of Court. 1 In this proceeding we are limited to consideration following questions: (1) is it barred by statute limitations and, if not, (2) principles res judicata, or estoppel, Due Process Clause Fifth Amendment? For reasons hereafter stated hold that limitations. We do not reach discuss second question. 2 The issues raised first question are: 3 1. Whether Wartime Suspension Limitations Act1 has suspended running general three-year limitations2 in relation offenses charged in— 4 Count I, under conspiracy statute;3 5 II, § 346(a)(1) Nationality Act 1940;4 6 III, 346(a)(5) 1940;5 and 7 2. saving clause 21 25, 1948, which enacted present Criminal Code into law,6 continued effect special five-year 346(g) 19407 violations 346(a) Act. 8 set forth, a negative conclusion on each above issues. 9 Petitioner Harry Bridges entered United States 1920 as an immigrant seaman Austalia. Subsequently, he defeated two attempts deport him because his alleged Communist Party membership affiliation. such attempt culminated 18, 1945, v. Wixon, 326 135, 65 1443, 89 2103. 10 23, applied, San Francisco office Immigration Naturalization Service, Certificate Arrival Preliminary Form Petition Naturalization. August 8, appeared, with petitioners Schmidt Robertson, before examiner preliminary examination. Each three testified was member Party. 11 September 17, appeared Superior Court naturalization hearing. Robertson they had known five years longer, resident during time vouched loyalty States. gave answers oath: 12 'Q. Do you now, have ever, belonged any organization advocated overthrow government force violence? A. 13 States? I not.' 14 He then admitted citizenship. 15 1949, more than later, grand jury District Northern California returned indictment counts. 16 charges defraud impairing, obstructing defeating proper administration its laws having fraudulently petition obtain falsely stating court never States, statement at all times be false fraudulent. appearance testimony were overt acts conspiracy. 17 That count laid statute: 18 'If persons conspire either commit offense against manner purpose, one parties act object conspiracy, shall fined ten thousand dollars, imprisoned years, both.' 37 old Code, 35 Stat. 1096, U.S.C. 88, now (Supp. V) 371, U.S.C.A. 371. 19 II wilfully knowingly making oath when been 1940, 54 1163, 746(a)(1), makes felony person— 20 'Knowingly make oath, orally writing, case, proceeding, matter relating to, under, virtue law citizenship.'8 III aiding Bridges, who entitled thereto, procured fraudulent statements. It avers knew made representations proceeding. 1164, 746(a)(5), felony— 22 'To encourage, aid, advise, assist person thereto obtain, accept, receive certificate arrival, declaration intention, naturalization, citizenship, other documentary evidence citizenship— 23 'a. Knowing same fraud; * *.'9 24 Petitioners moved dismiss ground, inter alia, motions denied. 86 F.Supp. 922. trial resulted verdict guilty count. received concurrent sentences imprisonment II. Counts III. Appeals affirmed. Cir., 199 F.2d 811. Rehearing en banc 201 254. Because indicated conflict between decision part Marzani 83 U.S.App.D.C. 78, 168 133, affirmed equally divided Court, 335 895, 69 299, 93 431, 336 922, 513, 1075, well Obermeier, 186 243, importance issues, granted certiorari, 345 904, 648.10 25 occurred 1945. Accordingly, unless superseded, indictment, found out must dismissed.11 26 suspension prescribed applies involving defrauding agency thereof, whether manner, but only where fraud pecuniary nature least concerning property. 27 creates exception longstanding congressional 'policy repose' fundamental our society criminal law. From 1790 1876, limitation applicable noncapital since years.12 comparable 1110(a) Revenue 1926,13 Roberts, speaking said: 28 'Moreover, concluding section, though denominated proviso, excepting clause, therefore narrowly construed. McElvain, 272 633, 639, 47 219, 71 451.14 And, section statutory crimes, liberally interpreted favor repose, ought extended construction embrace so-called frauds so statutes creating offenses.' Scharton, 285 518, 521—522, 52 416, 417, 76 917. 29 legislative history emphasizes propriety conservative interpretation. indicates purpose suspend war nowhere suggests swallow up extent necessary us. 30 origin 24, 1942.15 See Smith, 342 225, 226 227, 72 260, 261, 96 252. wartime measure reviving World War substantially which, 1921 1927, directed I.16 Committee Reports show Congress aimed proviso growing contracts.17 concerned exceptional opportunities inherent gigantic hastily organized procurement program. sought help safeguard treasury increasing allowed their discovery prosecution. 1942, reports proceedings demonstrate like coupled design readopt policy.18 31 This interpretation scope 1942 provision expressly approved 78 82, 133—137. As nine counts based upon amended False Claims Act, 287, Columbia Circuit held did Those statements agencies membership, connection application position service. Referring Gilliland, 312 86, 61 85 598, 32 'Thus, (Supreme) financial sense constituent ingredient 33 'It necessarily follows, view, does apply Supreme clearly said identical pertinent way essential ingredient; statute.' U.S.App.D.C., page 81, F.2d, 136. 34 Brought here several including dismissal counts, case twice affirmed, without opinion, evenly 1075. also, Cohn, 270 339, 46 251, 70 616.19 those (Count II), conspiring someone I), knowing III), none them involve accordingly that, reason, offenses. 36 B. A further ground already language us, similar Acts, mean authorized strictly attempting charged. Decisions prior earlier legislation substantial reenactment, carried stated. 917; 451; Noveck, 271 201, 476, 904. Braverman 317 49, 54—55, 63 99, 102, 87 616. simplest demonstration point appears there material offense, perjury, ingredient. complete proof fraud, although often accompanies it. above-cited cases even may committed transaction loss Government, fact, alone, enough Under doctrine these cases, unless, generally suspending statute, e.g., larceny crimes. seeks Government crime. view opportunity war, difficulty prompt prosecution, extra deal them. Nothing 38 Likewise, violation 346(a)(5), require If, here, main charge commission offense. insertion words 'procured fraud' change embellishment lengthen definition determines comes within 39 So I. certain substantive longer committing itself. There no additional indictments conspiracies such. surplus 40 'The cannot reasonably read include defined 37. (The 371.) But could construed conspiracies, obviously would covers.' 220, 451. 41 contends General Conspiracy Act20 comprises classes conspiracies: 'to States' purpose'. urges clause. specific intent thus brings fallacy argument while framed both support rely solely fact violating s actually petitioner conspired 'defraud causing use copied merely cloaks factual cause, entitled. 42 supra, convinced offenses, involved, what descriptive added long statute. Another arrived 256—257, respect involved instant indictment. 43 'save' National 1940 44 contends, alternatively, timely Its alternative contention respectively (5) 1945 Act.21 appears, however, 346(a—h) repealed, 1, new Including controversial repealing reads follows: 45 'Sec. 21. sections parts thereof Revised Statutes Large enumerated schedule hereby repealed.22 Any rights liabilities existing affected repeal.' 62 862. By repeal 346(g), became applicable. 3282, 3282.23 Three expired found, 3282 bars abovequoted refers also period crime prosecuted includes contained 346(g). issue presented decided Government. 811, 819—820. doing so, relied Second supra. related making, review materials decisions need repeated reaching result—that keep alive after 1948.24 substitute place Reviser's Note says: 48 'In consolidation 5-year provided 746(g) Title U.S.C., ed., Aliens Nationality, reduced years. seemed sound basis considering adequate heinous felonies gross inadequate misuse passport examiner.' 49 To adopt proposed produce situation August, indictable until 1953, October, 1951. prosecution conditions. Such result inferred clear direction effect. 50 Finally, interpret 'rights liabilities' procedural incidents overlook practice specify wished 'saved.' 1874, 5598 preserved 'All committed, penalties forfeitures' but, nevertheless, 5599 inserted add limitation, civil causes proceedings, recovery forfeitures *.'25 1909 provisions §§ 343 344. 1159. 1933, reexamined obsolete sections, 5598, retained. 1431. reason given retention survival 1431, referred 'only 'rights' 'liabilities' remedies, recourse limitation.' S.Rep. 1205, 72d Cong., 2d Sess. 3. Campbell Holt, 115 620, 209, 483. 51 neither nor inapplicable came too late effective. motion should made. judgment Appeals, accordingly, reversed cause remanded Reversed remanded. 53 JACKSON CLARK took case. REED, whom CHIEF JUSTICE MINTON join, dissenting. 55 prosecutions formerly fixed capital, us 3287, 3287. far appear below.1 Court's 371 brought applies. applicability depends 'involving not,' meaning 56 An These alternative, disjunctive provisions. One addresses itself specified statutes; accepted courts variation.2 57 obstructing, laws' state 'had States.' think effort impairing falls terms limitations, 'by conspiracy.' 58 see nothing 3287 raise quotes excerpts First War. passed, accept coverage legislation. n. opinion. uppermost minds Congress. 17. natural haste waste follow logically exercise governmental functions excluded. cited specifically exclude Certainly selective service,3 alien property,4 prices wages5 allotment scarce material,6 hardly omitted Yet, many fall hard, perhaps harder, find punish property nature. amnesty bill fairer frauds. Both lead scope. 59 asserts 'long standing repose." Of course, repose. public policy Congress, courts.7 repose determine policy, some feeling litigation over end. 60 Nor can reliance 137, precedent construing WartimeSuspension On divided. '(t)he indicted Act.8 904; 451, Noveck's perjury income tax return barred, despite much element perjury. McElvain's similarly willful evade tax. Scharton's followed Noveck evading point, 598. 1934 Amendment 35, 996, enlarged documents 'within jurisdiction department U.S., 90, 521. Thus former holding restricted 'pecuniary loss', 346, 253, 616, amended. thought Gilliland meant Therefore apply. Cf. Gottfried, 165 360, 367. immaterial correct thinking adds strength fraud. points applied crimes conviction. showed swearing misrepresentation agency. Fraud contrary true 64 paragraph punishable element. doubt crime, denounced covers nonpecuniary nonproperty Haas Henkel, 216 462, 479, 249, 569.9 agree analysis 'knowingly statement' administrative processes describes that: 66 entitled.' 67 prove hearing 'impairing, lawful function government.' 68 affirm below contended conviction judicata collateral estoppel Bridges' nonmembership crucial judicially determined. They Landis 1938, 138, 1445, 2103, themselves None these, cause. invoked. Communist. determination judicial one. Pearson Williams, 202 281, 608, 1029. reached. And legally citizenship (1946 ed.) 705, 707, prohibited grant members organizations advocating government, attached Constitution. changed. 1424(a)(2), 1424(a)(2). identity persons. Schneiderman 320 118, 1333, 1796. Carlson Landon, 524, 536, 22, 525, 532, 547. views prevailed forbear express 3282. 1015(a), 1015(a). 1425, 1425. 862, note preceding 1167, 746(g), Section repealed 868. Simultaneously, reenacted effect, any, 346(a), 1063—1065, infra. 346(a). questions writ, viz.: '(1) Whether, adjudications, whole part, due process Amendment. '(2) limitations.' 'Except otherwise law, prosecuted, tried, punished information instituted next committed.' 119; R.S. 1044; 32—33. treason capital removed 1939. 1043; 1198; 3281, 3281. 114—115, (1925 Supp. 585, 3748(a). '* purposes (to section) carve class cases. strictly, shown purpose.' statutes, 30, resolution, President, designate. *' 747—748. 1944 references contracts handling Surplus Property 1944. 667 781. Since that— 'When attempted acquisition, care, handling, custody, control disposition real personal (3) negotiation, procurement, award, performance, payment for, interim financing, cancelation, termination settlement, contract, subcontract, purchase order connected inventory contractor agency, hostilities proclaimed President resolution December 31, 1946. CFR, 1946 77—78. 1044. *: Provided, six November 1921. eliminated 51, 27, 1927. 1921, H.R.Rep.No. 365, 67th 1st supporting enact Department engaged investigation various consisting largely claimed Germany conclusion. Many grew (contractual) corporations furnishing military naval supplies kinds. transactions most minute ascertain exact facts, every considerable elapse facts gathered files sources know justified not. months, periods, will required investigations.' Cong.Rec. 7060—7061, 7640. 16, 70th eliminate Attorney represented desirous investigate frauds, owing investigations might run possible indictments, requested complied request particular ceased exist; is, announced ago propose character, say, giving rise 473, 842. S.Rep.No. 1544, 77th 2, war. Contracting done through agencies, departments independent establishments Government-owned Government-controlled corporations, intended embraced bill. 'During discovered 3-year almost expired, committee report hereinafter (Rev.Stats., sec. 1044) extending normal afford sufficient investigate, discover, gather prosecute Huge sums money being expended equipment carry successfully. Although steps taken prevent recognized varied dealings unscrupulous difficult discover type come light come. law-enforcement branch busily duties, enforcement espionage, sabotage, laws.' 2051, 1—2, H.R. 6484. 88 6160. bill, readopting introduced suggestion lieu proposal pending Hearings Subcommittee House Judiciary 4916, 6, 4759—4760. 569, Hammerschmidt 265 182, 511, 968, contrary. refer 'in purpose' used section. V). discussed 1058, '(g) No arising filed crime.' 746(g). actions, 868, 346(a—h), (l), 347 identified Chapter 876, 1163—1168, October 14, 1940. 11, 226—227, 252, assumed, deciding, reservation regarded matters remedy procedure: 13. release extinguish penalty, forfeiture, liability incurred provide, treated still remaining sustaining action liability.' 109, 109. Hallowell Commons, 239 506, 202, 409; Hertz Woodman, 218 205, 218, 621, 624, 1001; Great R. Co. 208 452, 313, 567. 371: $10,000 Id., 3282: 3287: Congress.' Falter 420, 423—424; Miller 353, 360; 108 368. Manton, 107 834, 838—839, Justices sat Justices. Selective Service 604, U.S.C.App. 321, 451—470, 1001—1017, U.S.C.A.Appendix, 1001—1017. Trading With Enemy 411, amended, 839, seq., seq. Defense Production 1950, 798, 131, 296, 2061 2101 2110, 2101—2110. Ibid., 1912, 2072, 2073. Hurd Hodge, 334 34—35, 847, 852—853, 92 1187. 80, reenacted, 287. 616; 188, 512, 968; cf. Lepowitch, 318 702, 914, 1091.

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