Document: 380 U.S. 63 85 S.Ct. 754 13 L.Ed.2d 658 UNITED STATES, Petitioner,v.Jackie Hamilton GAINEY. No. 13. Argued Oct. 15, 1964. Decided March 1, 1965. Louis F. Claiborne, Washington, D.C., for petitioner. Joseph H. Davis, Macon, Ga., respondent. Mr. Justice STEWART delivered the opinion of Court. 1 After a jury trial in United States District Court Middle Georgia, respondent Jackie Gainey was convicted violating 26 U.S.C. § 5601 (a)(1) (possession, custody or control set up, unregistered still and distilling apparatus) 5601(a)(4) (carrying on 'the business distiller rectifier without having given bond as required by law').1 In course his instructions judge informed two statutory provisions which authorize to infer guilt substantive offenses from fact defendant's unexplained presence at site an illegal still.2 The Appeals Fifth Circuit reversed convictions ground that these inferences are unconstitutional,3 because it thought connection between 'possession' 'carrying on' is insufficiently rational satisfy due process requirements formulated this Tot v. States, 319 463, 1241, 87 L.Ed. 1519. We granted certiorari, sub nom. Barrett, review exercise grave power annulling Act Congress. 375 962, 84 489, 11 413. 2 If either inference valid, judgment must be reversed, concurrent sentences were imposed Emspak 349 190, 195, 75 687, 690, 99 997; Sinclair 279 263, 299, 49 268, 273, 73 692 (1929). find authorized 5601(b)(2) constitutionally permissible, therefore reverse reaching validity 5601(b)(1). 3 legislative record shows Congress enacted practical impossibility proving * actual participation activities except drawn (the defendant's) when acts committed *.'4 statutes passed against backdrop varying formulations among Circuits standards should shape judge's telling what weight accord site. Long before 1958, year enacted, judges had been instructing juries could considered them determining whether defendant participated carrying operation. Barton 267 174, 175 176 (C.A.4th Cir.). Compare Wilson 162 613, 16 895, 40 1090. Fourth endorsed such charge. supra. Third precedents less clear. See Graceffo 46 F.2d 852 (C.A.3d Cir.); Fowler 234 697, 699 (C.A.5th 4 variations courts appeals concerned reasonableness inferring offense criminal enterprise. It question has now resolved favor established practice include their charges.5 And same petitioner asks determine passing constitutionality 5601(b)(2). 5 As correctly stated case, legislation depends upon rationality 'between facts proved ultimate presumed.' 466, 1241. making determination is, its nature, highly empirical, matters not within specialized judicial competence completely commonplace, significant accorded capacity amass stuff experience cull conclusions it. shows, have differed assessing placed still. Freeman, 286 262 Yet precisely unable agree exact relevance frequently occurring atmosphere pregnant with illegality Congress' resolution appropriate. 6 provided viewed context broad supports. Section proscribes enterprise distillation—an one most comprehensive designed stop production sale untaxed liquor. Vukich 28 666, 669 (C.A.9th Those who aid abet enterpriser come statute's reach virtue 18 (1958 ed.). Giuliano, 263 582 Suppliers, haulers, host other functionaries under statute. Pritchard, 55 F.Supp. 201 (D.C.W.D.S.C.), aff'd, 145 240 undoubtedly aware manufacturers liquor notorious deftness they locate arcane spots plying trade. Legislative recognition implications seclusion only confirms folklore teaches—that strangers rarely penetrate curtain secrecy.6 hold 5601(b) (2) satisfies test 7 But said statute unconstitutional different ground—that impinges powers over proceeding. cannot agree. Our Constitution places hands responsibility safeguarding integrity trial, including right case withheld evidence insufficient matter law support conviction. us deprives none normal powers. do interpret provision 'presence shall deemed sufficient conviction' any way invading province discretion. language permits submit basis accused's alone, extent constitutes congressional does probative worth guilt. where require jury, nor preclude grant notwithstanding verdict. may denial motions directed verdict n.o.v. 8 prevent being 'properly instructed reasonable doubt.' Holland 348 121, 139, 127, 150. follows: 9 'There I mention. charge you defendants still, if proved, flight therefrom, attempted would circumstance consider along all testimony case. Of course, bare distillery therefrom innocent man itself enough make him guilty. possible present distillery, run about apprehended, ought never convicted, but think men present, circumstances connected not. Did equipment necessary distillery? What hour day there? officers see anything? statements? 10 'It your duty explore analyze pro con fairly. Presence together exclude every conclusion there manner, charged *, believe those things, finding 'And few years back, person giving law, shown place time engaged carried given, conviction, unless proven explains satisfaction jury. 12 'Now mean referred requires convict defendant, fails explain simply means may, sees fit, evidence, result.' (Emphasis supplied.) thus specifically told conclusive. 'Presence' many. Even found remained unexplained, nonetheless acquit Government beyond doubt. absence statute, instruction surely permissible. Cf. Furthermore, whole, we single phrase 'unless jury' can fairly understood comment petitioner's failure testify.7 Bruno 308 287, 60 198, 257. overall reference carefully neither allusion innuendo based decision take stand. 14 McNamara Henkel, 226 520, 525, 33 146, 147, 57 330, approved proceeding did no more than 'accord natural force.' That done here. violates Constitution. 15 Reversed. DOUGLAS, dissenting part. 17 finds constitutional provides: 'Whenever violation subsection (a)(4) (making carry law) where, when, so on, (or court tried jury).' 19 compelling give following juries: 'If then assume he meaning statute; need assumption another explanation satisfied truth explanation.' read instruction, intolerable, reasons well my Brother BLACK. 20 Court, however, interprets merely allowing, compelling, draw 'presence.' left free reject if, light doubt remains normally function, apart So, concluded construed, provides rule more. 21 There are, sure, dangers inherent presumption. Perhaps will overawed some particular factual enshrined Therefore quite rightly suggests better omit 'any explicit charge.' Ante, p. 71, n. 7. Or perhaps feel restricts withhold reassures invade Nor function appellate circumscribed. 22 view, acute danger construed applied lurks *.' meant instruct himself becomes witness personally then, BLACK says, clearly subject impermissible compulsion testify. subtly outlawed policy. long federal testify even unfavorable comment: 23 safely venture stand, though entirely him. Excessive timidity, nervousness facing others attempting transactions suspicious character, offences him, often confuse embarrass degree increase rather remove prejudices (C)ounsel forbidden (now 3481)* create tend presumption testify.' 149 60, 66—67, 765, 766—767, 37 650. 24 Just improper counsel argue silence, call attention silence. Indeed, 3481 entitled expressly tell attach improtance testify; or, choose mention made silence anyone. 25 previously expressed view mandated Amendment, '(u)sing himself.' Scott California, 364 471, 472, 81 245, 222 (dissenting opinion). not, Amendment. jury.' form runs counter policy forbids conviction compelled testimony, because, points out, puts direct pressure forward testify, also amounts effect here, resists stand own behalf. Unlike therefore, tanto repeal authorizing instruction. 27 BLACK, dissenting. Respondent possession still1 bond2 Other statute3 'Presumptions,' declare 'shall At state testified, seen court, appropriately foregoing Gainey's 'deemed sufficient' convict. deprived (1) guaranteed both Art. III, 2, Sixth Amendment; includes crime according land, interference court's functions Congress; (3) Amendment himself. 29 First all, let me say am loss understand Court's puzzling statement 'where verdict.' unqualifiedly presence. holds command valid,4 reason adds ignore after rely it, aside verdicts do. words, holding extraordinary valid chooses. Judges usually unlimited discretion disregard statutes. indicates elsewhere opinion, setting alone first place. Besides almost self-contradictory, emasculation provisions, think, them. bound so, here did, deliberated solemn decided proof mere illegally possessed business. Few jurors failed uphold might felt show 30 always recognized guaranty cases factfinder. This perform basic innocence defendant. See, e.g., ex rel. Toth Quarles, 350 11, 15—19, 76 4—6, 100 8; Reid Covert, 354 5—10, 77 1222, 1224—1227 (opinion announcing judgment). taken away Congress, directly indirectly, whole Obviously, part power, vested waived), exclusive decide presented flaunts conviction.' encroach jury's prove allowed labeling encroachment 'presumption.' Neither 1519, relied supporting presumption, cited juries. fact, far tell, problem restrict squarely challenges presumptions arisen many crucially contexts nevertheless generally distinguish used ways, treating invalid, regardless rights use impinge. Because differentiate utilized consequences follow, words considering use. 31 simplest permitted existence unknown proved. presumed very strong probability, weak supposition arbitrary assumption. burden party seeking slight, civil suit, heavy—proof doubt—as prosecution. up creating treated fungible, interchangeable uses purposes. each determined flow When trifling moment involved, freely accepted, vital importance litigants administration justice stake, careful scrutiny necessary. 32 judging legislatively created evolved initial criterion applies alike kinds presumptions: inferred competent relevant, tending (though necessarily conclusively) presumed. inclination strict logical strength presumptive permit affect crimes. stricter latter situation follows lawsuit ordinarily preponderance while man's life, liberty, property prosecution Morrison People State 291 82; 96—97, 54 281, 78 664. Bailey Alabama, 219 219, 145, 191, good illustration principle. accused Alabama fail personal services obtaining money contracting them, intent defraud employer. refusal services, refund paid just cause, constituted 'prima facie evidence' (i.e., gave rise presumption) injure defraud. calling prior dealing requirement rationality, held invalid ground. Looking rational-relationship doctrine amount Thirteenth Constitution, 'involuntary servitude, punishment crime.' deciding crystal clear hurdle clear—that rational, using deprive right. accused, judgment, denied kind freedom self-incrimination priciple announced limited Bailey: apparent prohibition transgressed indirectly creation violated enactment. escape restrictions.' U.S., 239, S.Ct., 151. 34 Thus presumptions, (and which, like death absence, salutary effect), abridge deny specific guarantee. thing justify conditional estate absent seven years, Cunnius Reading School District, 198 458, 721, 1125; compare McNeal, 154 34, 1108, 38 896; years' murder. least seriously impaired weigh through predetermination 35 emphatically answers insistence justified neutralized convict, contention rejected Supreme upheld State's 'with guilty guilty, evidence.' State, 161 Ala. 75, 78, So. 886, 887. answered now, saying: 36 'The point that, authorizes accept sufficient; express warrant 235, 149. original.) added follow and, acting accordance authority confers, describes.' Id., 237, declaring certain conduct further constitutional. They crimes possessing still.5 While unquestionably relevant add operation possibly itself, doubt, aided abetted committing respect possession, concedes, contrary Bozza 330 160, 67 645, 91 818, properly, think. historic principle 'independent independent important our plan since convictions.' 19, 6. pass sufficiency exercised controlled general enactment special act only.6 protective amply demonstrated us: originally indicted four counts, acquittal one7 ordered another.8 39 indeed true, suggests, consideration passed. Undoubtedly produce necessity crucial element charged—and sometimes difficult-to-prove that9—is boon prosecutors incongruous snare country claims Quite accurately described 'First Aid Attorney.'10 Instead argument convenience out fatal defects. suppose Government's lighter represented counsel, Gideon Wainwright, 372 335, 83 792, 799, receive confessions extorted torture, Brown Mississippi, 297 278, 56 461, 80 682, obtained searches seizures Mapp Ohio, 367 643, 1684, 1081, hesitated strike down encroachments rights. sanctions method crude, effective, jury.11 subscribe idea grants enumerated I, 8, Necessary Proper Clause, contains implied cases.12 crimes, try prohibits bills attainder. crime, barred provision, must, true divided Amendment's leave courts, constraint evidence. 473, 1247 (concurring '(I)t legislature individual presumptively McFarland American Sugar Refining Co., 241 79, 86, 498, 501, 899. Manley 215, 575. Yet, realistically, today approves govern instead trials time-honored until 41 detract procedural rules Ex parte Fisk, 113 713, 720, 724, 727, 1117. disputed prescribe governing admissibility purely matters. admissible certainly circumstances. empowers facts, once admitted, suffice doubt.13 join says: 42 it.' 43 implication somehow qualified proposition proper branch policies enact laws doing deal extent. provides. 'expertise' familiar entitles unique courts. Moreover, expertise assess lawsuits superior judges, Founders 'within specialized'—and exclusive—'judicial competence.' facts: 44 'whether wrong, premise underlying laymen specialists task.' 18, 45 impairing safeguards, way. These tend, incorporated into influence trier otherwise justified, push so. Pollock Williams, 322 4, 64 798, 88 1095. undoubted letting rest force however much jeopardize chances acquittal, destroys chances. compulsion, purpose forbid testimony. subtle cruel physically effective. Yee Hem 268 178, 185, 470, 904, squeeze reasoning contained paragraph, central despite 'entirely chooses.' argument, seems me, admitting confession policeman's pointing gun head theory threatened confess chose. harmony compulsory self-incrimination, overrule Feldman 487, 494, 1082, 1085, 1408 opinion); Leyra Denno, 347 556, 74 716, 98 948. Lapointe, N.H. 227, 123 A. 692, A.L.R. 1212, quoted approval below, 292, 296 For reasons, relieve unconstitutionally persons guarantees action trying people resolve facts. judicial, legislative, function. sections stepped bounds encroached cases. affirm below new protections land. showed old Dodge truck darkened headlights drove secluded hidden swamp Dooly County, Georgia. respondent, Gainey, truck, turned flashlight, walked toward confronted revenue agents. flee, short chase, waiting colleagues apprehended. Since co-defendants, Roy Lee died; other, Cleveland Johns, elected reserve completed sentence. 5601(b)(1) '(1) Unregistered stills.— apparatus registered, '(2) Failure bond.— introduced Code 1958. modeled 545 ed.), Smuggling 1866, Stat. 179. Similar wording appears 174 Narcotic Drugs Import Export 1909, 614, sustained 69 904. A third count 5602, States. also, seek reversal. fourth count, charging defendants, 5180 worked sign showing name distilling, resulted acquittal. Hearings Subcommittee House Committee Ways Means Excise Tax Technical Administrative Problems, Part 3, 95, 84th Cong., 2d Sess. contributed concern. Hearings, note distillation. Bozza's distillation affirmed 'Very illicit distillers allow one, intimate friends, approach distilleries. Such places, rule, ground, violators arrested difficult ever operating distilleries.' Atkinson, Moonshiners, By One Raiders, 23. requisite stream cool water. next seclusion. travels, thinks traveling.' 18. Indeed satisfactory omitting 'In commission proceedings martial inquiry Possession Territory, shall, request, witness. His request him.' 5601(a)(1) ed.) 'Offenses. 'Any who— stills. '(H)as custody, control, section 5179(a) fined $10,000, imprisoned both, offense.' '(4) bond. '(C)arries '(b) Presumptions. Although 5601(b)(1), seem apply well. 'permits alone.' suggest why identical differently. obviously proscribed bill attainder, 9. Lovett, 328 303, 66 1073, 90 1252; Cummings Missouri, Wall. 277, 356; Garland, 333, 366. working bear denoting engaged, punishable §§ 5180(a), 5681(c) three indictment taxes, 5602 Appeals, 'no whatever defraud,' count. 300. artificial called harmless. Chamberlain, Presumptions Attorney, A.B.A.J. 287. 'Once thumbscrew easy; crude suppose, declared unlawful Hereafter, lighten prosecutor. victim spared trouble confessing go cell mutilation disquieting outcry.' Casey 276 413, 420, 48 373, 375, 72 632 argued, although hold, wished business' defined indisputable offenses. Ferry Ramsey, 277 88, 443, 796. Assuming sake act, ignoring theory, Heiner Donnan, 285 312, 52 358, 772, indication intended adopt misleading draftsmanship, condemnation vagueness, principles Lanzetta New Jersey, 306 451, 59 618, 888, 'While sources modes verification, witnesses, prepared quantity mind juror tries cause.' Thomas, J., Commonwealth Gray (72 Mass.) 10, Beswick, R.I. 211, 219.

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