Document: 369 U.S. 541 82 S.Ct. 955 8 L.Ed.2d 98 David D. BECK, Petitioner,v.WASHINGTON. No. 40. Argued Nov. 14, 1961. Decided May 1962. Rehearing Denied June 25, See 370 965, 1575. Mr. Justice Douglas, Black, and Chief Warren, dissented. Charles S. Burdell, Seattle, Wash., for petitioner. James E. Kennedy, respondent. CLARK delivered the opinion of Court. 1 Petitioner Beck contends that his conviction grand larceny in Superior Court State Washington King County is invalid under Due Process Equal Protection Clauses Fourteenth Amendment. This contention based primarily on what characterized as voluminous continuous adverse publicity circulated by news media vicinity Washington, where he was indicted tried. Specifically claims, inter alia, jury unfairly impaneled instructed, prosecutor acted improperly before jury, motions a change venue continuances were erroneously denied. The judges Supreme divided equally review, 56 Wash.2d 474, 349 P.2d 387, 353 429, leaving petitioner's undisturbed. We granted certiorari limited to above contentions, 365 866, 81 900, 5 858, we now affirm conviction. 2 I. THE PUBLICITY OF WHICH PETITIONER COMPLAINS. 3 In addition challenges petit juries, petitioner prior selection made five ground bias prejudice arising from publicity, viz., one quash indictment, three ranging month an indefinite period, Snohomish or Whatcom County. Petitioner's counsel supported factual contentions regard these various personal affidavits well photostats stories appearing local newspapers national magazines. shall summarize highlights set forth moving papers exhibits. 4 Select Committee Improper Activities Labor Management Field United States Senate began its investigation February 26, 1957. early March Chairman announced had 'produced 'rather conclusive' evidence tie-up between West Coast Teamsters underworld bosses monopolize vice Portland, Ore.' announcement also stated 'Teamsters' President Dave Brewster (also Teamster leader) will be summoned questioning charge they schemed control Oregon's law enforcement machinery level up governor's chair.' On 22 quoted stating '$250,000 been taken funds * used Beck's benefit.' appeared reported: 'BECK TAKES 5TH AMENDMENT 'Very Definitely' Thinks Records Might Incriminate Him.' Television cameras permitted at hearings. One Seattle TV station ran 3/4-hour 'live' broadcast session 27, films this shown stations Seattle-Tacoma area. April 12 issue News & World Report caption: 'Take look around days, you find inquiry can do top labor leader own home town.' 26 county special would 'to investigate possible misuse Union international president *.' It later former Mayor Devin appointed Special Prosecutor. federal Tacoma income tax evasion. action course front-page headlines. Five days again called witness Washington. appearance concentrated pleading Fifth Amendment 60 times during Other emanating hearings featured intermittently, 20, day convening 'the has not convicted any crime, although it my belief committed many criminal offenses.' continued some degree after convened three-week period which prosecutors gathering documentary through use subpoenas. Among other 'Beck, Jr., who even refused say whether knew father, took shelter behind (fifth) amendment 130 times, following example Beck, Sr., answer 210 appearances committee.' indictment case returned July received banner Intermittent continued, D.C., until August 28 when others additional evasion counts. co-conspirators named latter then hearings, held November 5, brought publicity. went trial charges 23, Saturday. state gave event considerable coverage. December 14. 6 II. OBJECTIONS TO GRAND JURY PROCEEDINGS. 7 Ever since Hurtado v. California, 110 516, 292, L.Ed. 232 (1884), consistently there no constitutional impediment dispensing entirely with prosecutions. abandoned mandatory practice 50 years ago.1 Since time prosecutions have instituted informations filed prosecutor, occasions without judicial determination 'probable cause'—a procedure likewise approval here such cases Ocampo States, 234 91, 34 712, 58 1231 (1914), Lem Woon Oregon, 229 586, 33 783, 57 1340 (1913). Grand juries are only specific purposes. case, eighth 40 years, circumstances subject attempts aside did contend particular juror prejudiced biased. Rather, asserted judge impaneling breached duty ascertain voir dire prospective influenced error compounded failure adequately instruct concerning prejudice. may Clause requires State, having once resorted procedure, furnish unbiased jury. Compare Lawn 355 339, 349—350, 78 311, 317—318, 321 (1958); Costello 350 359, 363, 76 406, 408, 100 397 (1956); Hoffman 341 479, 485, 71 814, 817, 95 1118 (1951). But necessary us determine question; if due process require body procedure—a question upon remotely intimate view—we concluded so far record, case. 9 current high interest quite normally widely publicized throughout Nation, including city His answers conduct disclosed possibility offenses within jurisdiction County, against laws State. light those disclosures authorities duty-bound and, State's violated, prosecute offenders. appears evidence—in hands union—was complete investigation. method available secure documents process, decided therefore impanel free do. 10 Twenty-three jurors called. explained, customary matters, crimes officers judge, determining their statutory qualifications, businesses, union affiliations like, asked each jurors: 'Is anything about sitting might embarrass all?' conscious bias, whenever previous suggested need further inquiry, two admitted excused. Another 'pretty hard answer,' he, too, persons members unions affiliated remaining 17 accepted sworn part oath swore 'present (any) person envy, hatred malice.' them retired employee Teamster, manager real estate office, bookkeeper, engineer, airplane manufacturer's employee, seamstress whose husband member, material inspector, gravel company superintendent civil engineer Department Fisheries, gyroscope manufacturer. 11 explained 'function inquire into commission crime county,' ordinarily done 'by regularly established agencies,' but impossible because requiring attendance witnesses examination books records power compel. As purpose called, 'disclosures' Investigating indicated 'hundreds thousands dollars funds' 'embezzled stolen' officers. He 'publicly declared' money loan. 'This presents fact,' added, truth ascertain.' After mentioning accusations concluded, 'I urge all practical limitations falsity charges. You most serious task perform *. tremendous responsibility, I wish your work.' 13 true admonish disregard disbelieve reports Nor mention explain effect invocation politics panel member. Discussion along lines added fuel flames see here. Apparently sensing dilemma admonished function records. Twice short statement said false. Taking instructions whole, manifest sift careful investigation, interrogation witnesses, records, newspaper stories. 14 facts attack cannot chosen regular list. Some six months thereafter try selected same community hereafter shown, found prejudiced. Indeed, every passed courts, highest court, held. A record reveals composed people walks life, whom members. immediately presence eliminated indications appeared. No personally institutions generally identified. Every indict 'hatred Moreover, sat weeks indicates heard testimony matter meticulous consideration. conclude failed show him biased him. 15 equal protection arguments behalf. First, argues member class (Teamsters) accorded treatment proceedings. references conducted scope argument eliminate body. totally establish non-Teamsters groups given different treatment. 16 Secondly, statute permitting custody challenge jurors, Revised Code § 10.28.030, denies investigated juries. point properly Although both opinions discuss interpretation neither considered never presented court relation statute. unfailingly consider attacks statutes claims arise court's challenged E.g., Johnson 543, 313 676 (1957).2 formal much less argue restrictive unconstitutional Clause.3 That prosecution viewed outside 10.28.030 proceedings attack. suggest considerations compel result. inject carried forward comply rule prescribing manner attention. Rule 43 Rules Appeal, provides '(n)o alleged superior unless definitely pointed out 'assignments error' appellant's brief.' Mere generalized validity holding below error'4 reason sufficient invoke review underlying contentions. See, e.g., Tanzymore, 54 290, 340 178, 179 (1959); Fowles Sweeney, 41 182, 188, 248 400, 403, (1952). search brief proper should listed error.' ex rel. Linden Bunge, 192 Wash. 245, 251, 73 518—519 (1937). brief, opposed merely setting sentence 125-page abandonment waiver contention. Martin J. C. Penney Co., 560, 565, 689, 693, 80 A.L.R.2d 697 (1957); Williams, 49 354, 356—357, 301 769, 770 (1956). petitions rehearing agreed lower exclude Assuming arguendo purposes our timely raised petition rehearing, elsewhere actually Court, entertained unbroken line precedent. Ferguson Georgia, 570, 572, 756, 758, 783 (1961); Capital City Dairy Co. Ohio, 183 238, 248, 120, 124, 46 171 (1902). Furthermore, questions writ specifically limited, presented. final singled denying procedural safeguards affords insure reasoning proceeds wholly unsupported assumption procedures required cases.5 contrary finding motion dismiss lawfully instructed. And assume safeguards, comes down misapplied. Such misapplication invidious discrimination. does 'assure uniformity decisions (or) immunity Milwaukee Electric Ry. Light Wisconsin Milwaukee, 252 100, 106, 306, 309, 64 476 (1920). Were otherwise, constitute question. Finally, vacate follow certain ultimate end—a fair proceeding—was obtained, exalting form over substance application Clause, Graham Virginia, 224 616, 630, 32 583, 588, 917 (1912). 18 interrogated testify reference activities employment. During first statements subsequently changed voluntary reappearance returned. second attacked witness' story incredible warned oath, prosecuted perjury, occasion go jail became incensed new story; though threats bounds, whatsoever stuck story. irregularity proportions, reject 19 III. AS PETIT JURY. 20 attack, makes claim Instead, states prevented precluded strong proved tried must presumptively rulings error. Of could infirmity impartial Hence, addressed subject. 21 December. nine one-half almost indictment. stemmed son, intensive nor extensive. value original diminished, items often relegated inner pages. Even occasional straight rather than articles tend arouse ill vindictiveness. If campaign infers, sidetracked 'labor bosses' scene shared spotlight. selecting exclusion Jr. addition, excused courtroom Next, examined length. 52 examined, eight preformed guilt formed opinion—all cause excused; peremptory challenges, exercised. thus exposed related above, biased, remove, enter open mind disregarding read 23 study clearly juror's qualifications impartiality exceeded minimum standards earlier Irvin Dowd, 366 717, 1639, 751 (1961), depends. There stated: 24 'To hold mere existence preconceived notion innocence accused, more, rebut presumption standard. lay impression render verdict court.' Id., 723, 1642. 25 pretrial extensive entire revealed believe compelled law. supra, 723—728, 1642—1645, sensational accused permeated small town ws tried, 90% two-thirds seated guilt, unsuccessfully several fact convinced guilt. note while right denial raise single dissenting voice. "While stands ready correct violations rights, holds 'it asking too burden showing essential unfairness sustained injustice seeks result aside, speculation demonstrable reality." Darcy Handy, 351 454, 462, 970, 1331 met. 27 Affirmed. FRANKFURTER decision 29 WHITE consideration 30 BLACK, CHIEF JUSTICE concurs, dissenting. 31 dissent Court's think courts taking affirmative protect being guaranteed 1854, Territory, comprehensively governing trials part: 'Challenges individual (any offense) want qualification sit juror; when, exists juror, unable act impartially prejudice.'1 Murphy Court,2 construing order preserve defendants select chance, explaining: 35 'That policy legislature unprejudiced suspicion attach cases, questioned.' 36 Guthrie3 doing meant changing composition rules chance. reiterated statute's crystal clear inaction offensive deliberate selection: 37 'While section relate interested persons, construed right, motion, excuse deemed disqualified incompetent. To deny harmony law, responsibility insuring qualified secured.' 38 settled demonstrated, four voted reverse conviction,4 cited courts.5 presiding inquiries Beck. 39 however, finds Guthrie guarantee 'concerned chance.' position, either acknowledged interpreted 'well-recognized rule' 'grand unprejudiced.'6 repudiate acknowledgment says meaning determined point.' decide pass denied authoritatively means entitled indictments charged making jurors. Neither ever interpretation. Certainly, division left standing impair old previously Washington's tell 'since reasons signed more each, court,' 'are significance decisional concerned.' statute, remains court. before, law's changed, sole treated. singling classic discrimination amount determine, therefore, way violated treats crucial, proof precautions controlling tainted shows beyond doubt do—try keep off particularly extraordinary opportunity prejudgment created saturation area hostile preceding hearing. 42 long-time resident known International Brotherhood Western Conference Teamsters. Beginning 1957, target number extremely corruption staff. These unprecedented circulation area.7 headlines proclaimed Committee's $270,000 benefit. When regarding charges, drew headline coverage press: AMENDMENT.' television run telecast 3, mayor appointment 9, 16, front-page, page-wide appeared, last charging misused position trust times. 17, three-column recounted pleaded Committee. impaneled, expulsion AFL—CIO post 'Dave 'guilty charged' A.F. L.C.I.O. executive council,' paper Senator McClellan 'has All radio, television, magazines press lesser backup published similar nature. flood intense public accusation breach prominent highly placed coupled resulting refusal grounds self-incrimination made, imposed very heavy Far discharging duty, increased probability For directed toward excluding sympathetic effective effort Thus, managed ask connection union, officers, officer himself. But, despite knowledge widespread prejudice-breeding about, discussed already charges.8 Indeed searching pull sterile query: tenuous logic equate embarrassment hardly seems questionable, view was, according 'neither extensive,' subjected expressed case.9 44 restrained affording assured expected detailed dispel minds. Not here, however. cure, situation worse. instead instructing improper all, jury's attention theft embezzlement told refuted explanation attributed Beck: 45 'It unnecessary recent except indicating have, trick device, embezzled stolen hundreds come dues 'The publicly declared loan repaid. fact, Together DOUGLAS dissent, none steps, eithe rin instruction, atmosphere fulfilled 47 provided similarly situated which, foreseeable, continue provide future. cast Legislature repealed altered general abrogating take sure indication 'law' future, convicting applies unfair defined system 'impartial jurors.' Through device vote goes prison years. forbids picking bear legal burdens situated.10 agree gross disastrous consequences treated sends man refusing apply always applied law.11 allowed defendant branch legislative branch. 48 still another reason. below, views outcome 'in (on bail) offense,' '(p)ersons benefit enacted,' prejudice.12 divides suspected embezzlement, classes: (1) bail, (2) jury; not. wanted reason, I, saying bail happened validly So concerned, rational distinction yet bail,13 examining clearest lack rationality 108 itself distinction. face all. basic element Government. Zealous partisans filled place among government selects play important parts designed lead determinations innocence. Whether provisions Federal Constitution require, step trial, absolutely impartial, considering circumstances, penalties classes, not, standard Amendment, used. me formally arrested different. permit unequally interests, needs dangers similar.14 surprisingly shrug reaching merits. claim, accord guaranteeing asserts unlike everyone else, questioned harmless violation puts bias. cites authority neglects assure cured actual contrary, Court: 51 'Granting, sake argument, selected, approve adopted willed, choosing color law.'15 cavalierly fritter away rights achieve fairness, satisfy doubting Thomas harmless. While ruled felt conclusive made. Judge Donworth, speaking judges, exhaustive concluded: 53 unrealistic substantial citizens adopted, consciously unconsciously, attitude appellant convened. stringent observance safeguard citizen prejudice, it.'16 say: 'There prejudice,' slightest evidentiary argumentative support correctness offhand statement.17 evenly either, ordinary 'solemn make independent disputed facts'18 turns becomes pointed. Considering overwhelming thought inconceivable fairly 55 afford assurance like apparently discovers avoid plain merits claim. concludes together justify avoidance (a) 'Petitioner's complied 'Challenge Jury' separate opinion. terms 10.28.030. reliance sections emphasized counsel's oral written, example, said: '* (T)he able indicate thing. is, Jury just unprejudiced, indeed couple referred intent Legislature.'19 (b) says: attack.' informed effect. argued Jury,' intimated bond. admitted, ultimately comment, jury—'incidentally indictment'—precisely kind 10.40.070, 59 (c) 'definitely brief,' Appeal. bail. ruling, assign ruling did, errors 4, sufficiently broad time. (d) that: casual 'unfailingly' followed practice.20 prove tolerate bar correction violations. 61 (e) Finally disagree immaterial Raley Ohio: presentation passes it.'21 undoubtedly familiar dug presented, laws. was: 62 'In mental arrested, *.'22 63 response conviction, fully contention, saying: understand how said, entitling offense appellant. axiomatic men circumstances. 65 'Until amends repeals pursuant it.'23 66 obviously disagreeing brethren rejecting reason' bail.24 67 (f) included review. disagree. supporting petition, repeatedly core growing classification passing claimed inextricably intertwined, term Boynton Virginia25 another. presented.' prohibits 'unnecessary detail' deems include subsidiary comprised therein' 68 rely mandate encompassed granted. Two 69 (D)oes clauses or, least, instructed impartially?' 70 (D)id (petitioner) prevent least jurors?' protection, others, basis certiorari. 72 net leave predicament: divided; refuses anywhere. consequence predicament accept protected depend Court,'26 solemn people. Congress crystallize define issues assist administration justice. end achieved 74 DOUGLAS, 75 Although, 111, 232, bring occasionally one; Government uses insure, possible, impartial.1 why systematic Negroes service infects accusatory process. Pierre Louisiana, 306 536, 83 757; Cassell Texas, 339 282, 629, 94 839. principle Hernandez 347 475, 667, Mexicans systematically excluded 'if naturalized Celtic Irishmen' duty. Strauder 303, 308, 664. Racial aspect problem. Hale Henkel, 201 43, 59, 370, 373, 652, valuable examine crimes, stand founded credible dictated malice will.' 1118, importance continuing necessity alike 'alert repress' abuses investigatory power' jury.2 recently 362, 397, 77 English institution, country colonists incorporated Founders. intended operate substantially progenitor. instituting believed crimes.' (Italics added.) affirmed judgment vote. voting affirmance absent requirement, 'bias prejudice' irrelevant. 480, 390. Frisbie Collins, 342 519, 509, 96 541, offered justification bringing forcibly abducting vitiate requirements. Here, proceeding infected unfairness. immaterial. used; unfairly. procedures, anterior oppressive. notorious unlawful arrest detention police obtain confession. Payne Arkansas, 356 844, 975; Fikes Alabama, 352 191, 281, 246; Watts Indiana, 338 49, 1347, 93 1801; Turner Pennsylvania, 62, 1352, 1810; Ward 316 547, 1139, 86 1663. counsel. Powell 287 45, 57, 55, 158, extends 'when consultation, thoroughgoing preparation' 'vitally important.' Cf. Spano New York, 360 315, 324, 79 1202, 1207, 1265 (concurring opinion). Could possibly sustain obtained accused's political enemies? sanction private, public, Whenever infect proceeding, requirements lacking. 298, 639, 839, lies mouth guilty reasonable doubt, attributable prejudice.' 302, 639. agree. indict, Hill 1159, 1162, 1559: state's function, ours, assess defendant. justice enjoy guarantees. Where, objection laid bare obtained.' serves function. Wells, 163 F. 313, 324: historical devised harassments malicious, unfounded, vexatious accusations. allowing initiated themselves detracts arbitrary oppressive action.' 84 Field, Circuit Justice: 85 country, popular character institutions, seldom contest citizen, government. Yet institution give chief England, means, grounds, protecting unfounded accusation, prompted partisan passion private enmity.' Charge Jury, Fed.Cas. 992, 993, 18,255. 87 reads doubts unusual conditions 88 invoked 150 89 2, 90 8, recalled long 91 comments himself 92 'These comments, derogatory appellant, thief, fraud illegal respect management affairs teamsters' principal eleven western states, president. conclusions (particularly McClellan, chairman committee) displayed front page few newspapers: "Teamsters' Cash Kept Going Became President, Says Prober.' Times, "Beck Gives 'Black Eye' Labor, Sen. McNamara.' "Senate Probe Lifts Lid Beer Business—Use Money Related.' Post-Intelligencer, 97 'Substantial portions committee relating reproduced broadcasts radio stations. amount, intensity, nature precedent item reporting switchboard jammed calls, officials 'astounding,' greater aired them. senators regarded laymen official (which answer), crime.' 510—512, 408. 99 summarized Donworth: 101 natural that, eyes average thoroughly discredited 1957.' Wash.2d, 512, P.2d, 102 sought become accused. precautions. unions. employer reply 'Are sympathy pretty answer.' excused, likely juror. types questions. noted, etc., one, derelict failing proceeded full Committee: 103 'We expense county, inconvenience sacrifice you, require. 104 Investigation transactions, siphoned treasury, occurred committed, punished information prosecuting attorney. 105 ascertain. 106 'You transactions ago; limitations, bars instances, extended. guided advice Your conceivably adoption better officials.' 107 admonition gospel. warning invokes admit deliberations receives large-scale escape hue cry attendant died humanly mob pursuit fairly, aroused dispassionate charge. occasionally, normal information. screened appear. objections vain. customarily once, comport 109 narrow phase favor.3 conceded offense' P. 2d, grant draw warranted protection. Judges Finley, Hunter, Rosellini concurred: circumstances.' 528, 418. Laws 1909, c. 87. Griffith, 721, 328 897 (1958), detract principle. Griffith recognizing exception capital court-appointed attorney incompetently trial. obvious, obvious applicable present jury: 'MOTION SET ASIDE AND DISMISS INDICTMENT—Filed October 18, 1957 'Comes Now herein, attorneys respectfuly moves grounds: '1. drawn, summoned, prescribed '2. unauthorized attend sessions allegations '3. matters things '4. extreme hostility defendant, Prosecuting Attorney acting claiming behalf; prejudicial 14th Article '5. contributed behalf, '6. erred directions '7. defendant's financial, social business occupation, '8. herein himself, 5th Amendments States. '9. misconduct RCW 10.28.085 10.28.100. files, transcripts, exhibits herein.' 'CHALLENGE JURY—Filed existed following: '25. jury.' However, attempt conform pointing 'definitely' below. '29. America Tenth follows: 'a. 'b. continuance thereby forcing 'c. proceedings, 'd. inspect transcripts introduced cross-examination secondary evidence. 'e. accuse convict compatible play.' reported holding. predicated, Guthrie, 185 464, 160 (1936), 284, 144 concerned chance requires. Quotations context desirability unnamed, unreported not), isolated, unreviewable instances procedures. bracketed portion 10.28.010, companion panel. §§ 45—46 1854 Act, Territory Acts, p. 110. 286, 32, 32—33. 160, 164. above-cited 'premise (Beck), jury,' 'failure interrogate constituted 520, 412, 413, 429. Hunter requirement 'was supreme state, 537, 423—424. typical Washington: "Q—Would acquaintanceship Schuster affect investigation? "A—I don't so. "Q—In words, wouldn't fear favor deliberating "A—No." "Q—From heard, live vacuum rest us, couldn't fair, objective county? "A—No, sir." relied acknowledgment, comprehensive consisting hundred fifty pages containing "Appellant constitution (App.Br. 35). "* Except citing well-recognized 37), otherwise applicable." (Emphasis supplied Court.) organized accordance Wash.Terr. 409; 32; 160. Washington.' 511, 408 (opinion Donworth reverse). kind. dire, health convenience Atchison, Topeka Santa Fe R. Matthews, 174 96, 104—105, 609, 612—613, 909. McFarland American Sugar Refining 241 79, 86, 498, 501, 899. Unlike involves Elec. 476, inconsistent municipal provisions. allow Thus Blodgett, 1157, 1159 (No. 18312), 'True, imprisoned charge, hither recognizance; constrained positions, legally laws? Surely not.' McQuillen Miss. 587, 597, Mississippi purported '(T)he works object competency whilst privilege. be. furnishes security gives prisoner challenge, accomplish plea . ..' Hardin Ind. 347, 351—352; Crowley 194 461, 469—470, 731, 734—735, 1075. Skinner Oklahoma Williamson, 535, 1110, 1655. 287—288, 33. 358, 539, 757. Wash2d 897; Lee Seattle-First National Bank, 254, 299 1066. 423, 436, 1257, 1265, 1344. know 'search brief' find' am willing briefs parties sentence. whole presenting authorities. devoted 'Grand Proceedings' longest 387. refer it, loss 'considered contention.' facto point. 530 418, 419. Donworth.) suggest, does, discussion 'interpretation' simply exist. What plainest words wrong because, reasons, 364 457, 184, 206. Opposition Petition certiorari: instant binding 'Since Constitutional prescribe regard, question.' supplied.) represented return timely. 734, 1075: 'Some gone would, altogether him; know, indeed, entitled, acts Morse, Survey System, Ore.L.Rev. 217. 'formally presented' certiorari, General Talking Pictures Corp. 304 175, 179, 849, 851, 1273. 'definite issue' (Seaboard Air Line Duvall, 225 477, 487, 790, 792, 1171); places sufficient, 23(1)(c), U.S.C.A. haec verba, discourages amplification presented: detail. therein. *' alia: Where (in continuous, intensely publicity) impartially? '(a) imflammatory intensively disseminated media, enough 'urged incidental review.' Rorick Devon Syndicate, 307 299, 877, 879, 1303. At issue. referring (56 527—528, 417) it.' 530, 1344,

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