Document: 48 L.Ed.2d 71 96 S.Ct. 1619 425 U.S. 435 UNITED STATES, Petitioner,v.Mitchell MILLER. No. 74-1179. Argued Jan. 12, 1976. Decided April 21, Syllabus Respondent, who had been charged with various federal offenses, made a pretrial motion to suppress microfilms of checks, deposit slips, and other records relating his accounts at two banks, which maintained the pursuant Bank Secrecy Act 1970 (Act). He contended that subpoenas Duces tecum material produced by banks were defective thus illegally seized in violation Fourth Amendment. Following denial motion, respondent was tried convicted. The Court Appeals reversed, having concluded subpoenaed documents fell within constitutionally protected zone privacy. Held : Respondent possessed no Amendment interest bank could be vindicated challenge subpoenas, District therefore did not err denying suppress. Pp. 440-446. (a) materials business respondent's private papers. 440-441. (b) There is legitimate "expectation privacy" contents original checks since are confidential communications but negotiable instruments used commercial transactions, all obtained contain only information voluntarily conveyed exposed their employees ordinary course business. doe prohibit obtaining revealed third party him Government authorities. Act's recordkeeping requirements do alter these considerations so as create protectable depositor bank's account. 441-443. (c) Issuance subpoena does violate defendant's rights, even if criminal prosecution contemplated time issued. California Bankers Assn. v. Shultz, 416 53, 94 1494, 1513, 39 812, 835. 444-445. (d) Aess under controlled "existing legal process." That mean greater judicial scrutiny, equivalent required for search warrant, necessary when obtain depositor's records. 445-446. 500 F.2d 751, reversed remanded. Lawrence G. Wallace, Washington, D. C., petitioner. Denver Lee Rampey, Jr., Warner Robins, Ga., respondent. Mr. Justice Powell delivered opinion Court. 1 convicted possessing an unregistered still, carrying on distiller without giving bond intent defraud whiskey tax, 175 gallons upon taxes paid, conspiring United States tax revenues. 26 U.S.C. §§ 5179, 5205, 5601 Et seq.; 18 § 371. Prior trial moved copies means allegedly served he accounts. compliance 1970, 84 Stat. 1114, 12 1829b(d). 2 overruled suppress, evidence admitted. Fifth Circuit ground rights violated subpoena. It held any must suppressed. Since we find documents, reverse decision below. 3 * On December 18, 1972, response informant's tip, deputy sheriff from Houston County, stopped van-type truck occupied alleged co-conspirators. contained distillery apparatus raw material. January 9, 1973, fire broke out Kathleen, warehouse rented During blaze firemen department officials discovered 7,500-gallon-capacity distillery, nontax-paid whiskey, related paraphernalia. 4 Two weeks later agents Treasury Department's Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms Bureau presented grand jury issued blank clerk Court, completed Attorney's office, presidents Citizens & Southern National Robins Byron, where appear 24, produce 5 "all accounts, I. e., savings, checking, loan or otherwise, name Mitch Miller (respondent), 3859 Mathis Street, Macon, Ga. and/or Associates, 100 Executive Terrace, October, through present date (January 22, case 23, Robins)." 6 advise ordered make available provide desired. At agent shown microfilm relevant account provided one slip checks. also agent, given during applicable period. These included financial statements, three monthly statements. then told it would person before jury. 7 met February 19 days after return subpoenas. four others indicted. overt acts have committed furtherance conspiracy transactions rental truck, purchase radio equipment, quantity sheet metal pipe. record indicate whether fact They investigation "one two" investigatory leads. Copies introduced establish described above. 8 In denied seized. urged because they Attorney rather than court, returnable t session. reversed. 751 (1974). Citing prohibition Boyd States, 116 616, 622, 524, 528, 29 L.Ed. 746, 748 (1886), against "compulsory production man's papers charge him," court improperly circumvented Boyd's protections right "unreasonable searches seizures" "first requiring copy its depositors' personal then, improper invocation process, calling allow inspection reproduction those copies." F.2d, 757. acknowledged constitutional face 812 (1974), noted access See Id., 52, S.Ct., L.Ed.2d, here found constitute adequate "legal officers cooperated irrelevant, "he whose threatened disclosure depositor, official." 758. 9 contends erred respects: (i) finding entitle validity Through suppress; (ii) holding defective; (iii) determining suppression appropriate remedy take place. 10 We there intrusion into area correctly Because alone, reach Government's latter contentions. II 11 Hoffa 385 293, 301-302, 87 408, 413, 17 374, 382 (1966), said "no legitimately Amendment" implicated governmental investigative activities unless privacy, "the security man relies places himself property area." Appeals, above, assumed interest, pointing language supra, U.S., L.Ed., 748, describes Amendment's protection papers."1 think fall face, "private papers." Unlike claimant Boyd, can assert neither ownership nor possession. Instead, banks. As 48-49, 1511, 833, "(b)anks . neutrals involving instruments, parties substantial stake continued availability acceptance." like (which kept Act,) pertain itself party." 13 argues, however, introduces factor makes this functional seizure held, 54, 1514, 836, mere maintenance "invade(s) depositor." But combination issuance subpoena2 permits circumvent allowing complying proceeded directly.3 Therefore, address question compulsion embodied exercised creates none existed before. This expressly reserved Assn., 53-54, n. 1513-1514, 835-836. 14 urges has merely limited purpose reasonable expectation Court's statement Katz 389 347, 353, 88 507, 512, 576, 583 (1967), quoting Warden Hayden, 387 294, 304, 1642, 1648, 782, 790 "we departed narrow view" " 'property interests control seize,' "search seizure" become unreasonable privacy (a person) justifiably relie(s)." stressed "(w)hat knowingly exposes public subject protection." 351, 511, 582. examine nature particular sought order determine concerning contents. Cf. Couch 409 322, 335, 93 611, 34 548, 558, 619 (1973). 15 Even direct our attention actually viewed subpoena, perceive transactions. All obtained, including statements lack Congress enacting Act, expressed require "have high degree usefulness regulatory investigations proceedings." 1829b(a)(1). 619, 558. 16 takes risk, revealing affairs another, will Government. White, 401 745, 751-752, 91 1122, 1125-1126, 28 453, 458-459 (1971). repeatedly authorities, assumption confidence placed betrayed. 752, 1126, 459; 302, 382; Lopez 373 427, 83 1381, 462 (1963).4 analysis changed mandate 52-53, 1512-1513, 835-836, rejected contention keeping acting solely But, transcribing protest5 rights. Osborn 323, 429, 394 (1966); Lewis 206, 424, 312 (1966). III here, governed general rule defendant, 835; Donaldson 400 517, 537, 534, 545, 27 580, 592 (1971) (Douglas, J., concurring). Under principles, firmly settled, passage Internal Revenue Service summons directed third-party investigation. First Mobile 267 45 231, 69 796 (1925), aff'g 295 F. 142 (S.D. Ala.1924). also, 522, 538, 584. Many traditionally permanent although practice declining recent years. By such novel designed established attempt facilitate use proper long-standing law enforcement technique insuring needed.6 20 hold IV 21 infringed more stringent making assertion, 835, process."7 22 Oklahoma Press Pub. Co. Walling, 327 186, 208, 66 494, 505, 90 614, 629 (1946), (Amendment), (to papers), most guards abuse way too much indefiniteness breadth things 'particularly described,' inquiry demanding agency authorized specified relevant." Dionisio, 410 1, 11-12, 764, 770-771, 35 67, 77-78 citing 407 297, 92 2125, 32 752 (1972), discussed application warrant ruirements domestic surveillance electronic eavesdropping, suggests emphasized accordance indication new devised, traditional distinction between recognized.8 23 event, reasons stated lacks requisite subpoenas.9 V 24 judgment deferred truck. remand disposition issue. 25 So ordered. BRENNAN, dissenting. pertinent phrasing "The people secure persons, houses, papers, effects, seizures, shall violated" virtually haec verba Art. I, 19, Constitution seizures searches, violated." Supreme reached conclusion 13, same factual situation, contrary today Amendment.1 I dissent my view interpreted language. Burrows Superior Cal.3d 238, 118 Cal.Rptr. 166, 529 P.2d 590 thereof accused's prosecutor benefit process,2 consent bank, acquired result illegal seizure. accused expectaon records, voluntary relinquishment request valid accused, acquisition conclusion, compelled practically identical Addressing threshold invaded, relying part case, Mosk excellent unanimous court: "It cannot gainsaid customer expects transmits operations, remain private, reasonable. concedes much, asserts cognizable. Representatives several testified hearing possession regarding customer's deemed them confidential. 30 "In establishes petitioner's officer, significant relation alters form transmitted show receipt disbursement money diminish anticipation matters confides bank. A that, absent reveals utilized internal banking purposes. Thus, petitioner maintain confidentiality originated check transformed practice. 31 People occurred police, police conducted If, conclude issue, untenable neutral entity matter, may validly invasion However, neutral, example victim suspected wrongdoing, priva prevail. "Our rationale consistent (5th Cir. 1974) 751. Miller, Attorney, knowledge, defendant ordering 'all accounts' defendant. government slip; items led conviction. circuit jury, irrelevant disclosure. 33 "We process (Cal.Const., art. 13), should granted documents. "Thunderlying dilemma cases detached disinterested entity, relinquished voluntarily. circumstance crucial. For practical purposes, individuals firms entirely volitional, impossible participate economic life contemporary society maintaining dealings, many aspects affairs, opinions, habits associations. Indeed, totality provides virtual current biography. While concerned logical extension free officer extends far beyond bonds, applications, guarantees, supplied conduct To permit request, relevancy subsequent opens door vast unlimited range very real abuses power. "Cases legion condemn violent invasions individual's dwelling. imposition perhaps dramatic, equally devasting methods employed. Development photocopying machines, computers sophisticated accelerated ability intrude areas normally chooses exclude prying eyes inquisitive minds. Consequently interpretations individual keep pace perils created devices." Cal.3d, 243-248, Cal.Rp., 169-172, P.2d, 593-596 (footnote omitted). 36 addressed relevance view, Burrows, review today, inconsistent Bankers.3 said: 37 "(California ) six-three decision, abridged regulation, plaintiffs lacked standing reporting requirement showing engaged type transaction regulation referred. 38 concurring views justices votes majority interest. Powell's opinion, joined Blackmun (416 p. 78, 1494) clear pose questions, concurrence based provisions act narrowed regulations. wrote, 'In full reach, reports apparently open-ended touch intimate affairs. Financial reveal about person's activities, associations, beliefs. some point,overnmental implicate expectations Moreover, potential particularly acute where, legislative scheme process. instances, important responsibility balancing societal left unreviewed executive discretion, scrutiny magistrate. 316-317, 752.' pp. 78-79, 1494 1526). "Justices Douglas Marshall dissented Brennan filed dissent, stating constituted impermissibly broad grant power Secretary. 40 (T)he decided Shultz directly confronting issue set forth Holds 'proclaiming open season records' permitting first 246-247, Cal.Rptr., 171-172, 595-596 41 affirm Appeals. add strikingly illustrates emerging trend among state courts liberties4 pervading counterpart Constitution, increasingly being ignored decisions examples areas, see, e. g., Kelley Johnson, 1440, 47 708 (1976); Doe Commonwealth's Atty., 901, 1489, Paul Davis, 424 693, 1155, 405 Watson, 423 411, 820, 598 (1976). 42 MARSHALL, 43 upheld constitutionality Act. dissented, customers' meaning unlawful absence probable cause. purport decide delivery warned: 44 "(I)t ironic deems claims premature, intimates once longer invoke demand accepting bifurcated approach engages hollow charade whereby labeled premature until late." 97, 1535, 861. Today, surprisingly, finds late. written customers, "neither seizes right," nothing today's fortiori, contest Alderman 165, 89 961, 176 (1969). 46 wash hands extended redundancy cause, believe unconstitutional raise claim. unconstitutional, rely prosecuting customers. relied and, Appeals' reversal respectfully dissent. implications applies Have undercut cases. Fisher 391, 407-409, 1569, 1578-1580, 39, 53-55 Infra, appears contend comes play Defective see reason why existence turns defective. limit consideration situation defect refers attempts warrant. 74-1646, Andresen Maryland, cert. granted, 822, 36, 39. evidentiary privileges, protecting attorney client. 403-405, 1577, 51-53. Nor notify respondent, neglect consequences however unattractive be. blanket sort Buckley Valeo, 60-84, 612, 654, 659, 711 (1976), allegation associational Eastland Servicemen's Fund, 421 491, 95 1813, 324 (1975). confronted Government, "unreviewed discretion," wide-ranging unnecessarily "touch(es) affairs." 1526, 850 (Powell, Here powers narrowly restraints attendant Part IV, Infra. differs furnished "compulsion process" tecum. "significant (in case) informal oral information." 243, 593, 169. contrast, issuable prior approval authorizes seize courts. 9-10, 769-770, 76-77 occasion us complied outlined 614 (1946). validity. support claim similar 548 taxpayer her accountant preparation income returns "knowing mandatory therein return." 337, 620, 559 (Brennan, instant obliged respond lawful 52-54, 1512-1514, 835-836 obligation disclose asserted (1976) distinguishable grounds. distinguishes involved while involves Ante, 445 7. states turn 441 2. purposes accept notified notice just "unattractive," 443 5; fatal inheres omits provision continue unconstitutional. 91, 1532, 857 dissenting). disagree reasoning assuming unnecessary me infirmities inherent See, Cases cited Baxter Palmigiano, 308, 339, 1551, 1568, 810, 834 dissenting); Michigan Mosley, 96, 120-121, 321, 330, 313, 326 (1975) Wilkes, New Federalism Criminal Procedure: State Evasion Burger 62 Ky.L.J. (1974); More Procedure, 63 873 (1975); Falk, Constitution: Than "Adequate" Nonfederal Ground, 61 Calif.L.Rev. 273 (1973); Project Report: Toward Activist Role Bills Rights, Harv.Civ.Rights-Civ.Lib.L.Rev. 271 past, might safe counsel issues courts, risks raising state-law questions substantial, colloquy argument supra: "QUESTION: Why can't you argue Michigan? "MR. ZIEMBA: 1963 Federal certainly. Well, argued whole thing Appeals? Yes. really predicated entire admit that. mention 1963, have. And assure every opportunity future shall. "(Laughter.) hope don't case. That's right." Tr. Oral Arg. 43-44 (O.T. 1975, 74-653). unwise consider sua sponte. 68 N.J. 349, 346 A.2d

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