Document: 367 U.S. 717 81 S.Ct. 1708 6 L.Ed.2d 1127 William MARCUS et al., Appellants,v.SEARCH WARRANTS OF PROPERTY AT 104 EAST TENTH STREET, KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, al. No. 225. Argued March 30, 1961. Decided June 19, Mr. Sidney M. Glazer, Berkeley, Mo., for appellants. Fred L. Howard, Jefferson City, appellees. Justice BRENNAN delivered the opinion of Court. 1 This appeal presents question whether due process under Fourteenth Amendment was denied appellants by application in this case Missouri's procedures authorizing search and seizure allegedly obscene publications preliminarily to their destruction burning or otherwise if found a court be obscene. The are statutory, but supplemented rule Missouri Supreme Court.1 warrant material issues on sworn complaint filed with judge magistrate.2 If complainant states 'positively not upon information belief,' 'evidential facts from which such magistrate determines existence probable cause' believe that 'is being held kept any place building,' 'such shall issue directed peace officer commanding him therein described seize bring before personal property described.'3 owner is afforded hearing issues; proceeding ex parte. However, issuing must fix date, less than five nor more 20 days after seizure, determine seized obscene.4 may appear at defend against charge.5 No time limit provided within announce his decision. finds obscene, he required order it publicly destroyed, otherwise; its return owner.6 2 Court sustained validity as applied case. 334 S.W.2d 119. brought here 28 U.S.C. § 1257(2), U.S.C.A. 1257(2). We postponed consideration our jurisdiction merits. 364 811, 61, 5 40. hold properly here, see Dahnke-Walker Milling Co. v. Bondurant, 257 282, 42 106, 66 L.Ed. 239, turn 3 Appellant, Kansas City News Distributors, managed appellant, Homer Smay, wholesale distributor magazines, newspapers books area. other operate retail newsstands City. In October 1957, Police Lieutenant Coughlin Department Vice Squad conducting an investigation into distribution magazines. On 8, visited Distributors' business showed Smay list admitted company distributed all one magazines list. following day, 9, purchased magazine each.7 10 signed six complaints Circuit Jackson County, stating each 'of own knowledge' appellant named therein, stated business, 'kept purpose (sale) * *.' copy Coughlin's list, newsstands, shown circuit judge. issued warrants authorizing, premises each, 'any State (to) said issuance day night, (obscene materials) take same your possession 4 All were executed Cotober 10, different law enforcement officers. two police officers, County Sheriff's Patrol, Distributors. stock runs 'into hundreds thousands (p)robably closer million copies.' officers examined main floor establishment, confining themselves original They '(i)n judgment' obscene; when thought 'a ought picked up' copies it. After three hours examination completed 'hauled away truck put 15th courthouse.' A substantially similar procedure followed newsstands. Approximately 11,000 280 publications, principally also some photographs, places.8 fixed 17 hearing, later continued 23. Timely motions made quash suppress evidence seized, immediate property. rested number grounds we concerned only challenge context h e protections free speech press assured state abridgement Amendment.9 Unconstitutionality violation asserted because (1) allowed 'without notice movants prior determining these *,' (2) they 'allowed deputy sheriffs decide make judicial determination subject impairing movants' freedom publication.' reserved rulings heard testimony concerning events surrounding execution several warrants. December 12, unreported overruled 100 items judgment thereupon directing items, thereof, 'shall retained Sheriff necessary possible criminal prosecution prosecutions, and, necessity no longer exists, destroy thirty thereafter'; ordered further 180 returned forthwith rightful owners I. use government power adjunct system suppression objectionable new. Historically struggle England bound up scope power. See generally Siebert, Freedom Press England, 1476—1776; Hanson, Government Press, 1695—1763. It principal instrument Tudor licensing system. Stationers' Company incorporated 1557 help implement empowered 'to whenever please them place, shop, house, chamber, building printer, binder bookseller whatever kingdom dominions things printed, seize, hold, burn, proper foresaid community, those printed contrary form statute, act, proclamation, *.'10 7 An counsel confirmed expanded Company's 1566,11 Star Chamber reaffirmed 1586 decree 'That lawful wardens thereto deputed wardens, workhouses, shops, warehouses printers, booksellers, bookbinders, where have reasonable cause suspicion, (etc.) present ordinances stay her Majesty's *.'12 Books thus taken Hall inspected ecclesiastical who decided should burnt. These powers exercised censos hip both Catholic Puritan dissenting literature.13 8 Each succeeding regime during turbulent Seventeenth Century used publications. James I commissioned judges comprising High Commission enquire heretical, schismatical seditious books, libels, writings, pamphlets partraitures offensive set forth without sufficient authority behalf, printing-presses likewise so dispose serve employed unlawful *.'14 1637, re-enacting requirement licensed, broad enforce laws.15 During political overturn 1640's Parliament occasions control printing. Thus 1648 gave searchers house there just Presses printing Scandalous lying Pamphlets, (and) scandalous find *.'16 Restoration new act 1662. Under 'messengers press' operated secretaries state, executive persons papers. warrants, while sometimes specific content, often most general discretionary authority. For example, Roger L'Estrange, Surveyor 'seize libels apprehend authors, contrivers, publishers, dispersers them,' 'search room, warehouse, etc. seditious, unlicensed pictures, papers, deface same, letter press, taking *.'17 Another L'Estrange & dispensers, concealers treasonable, schismaticall, libells, pamphlets, papers together copys exemplaryes Books, paper aforesaid.'18 9 Although increasingly attacked, effect even Revolution 1688 offending books. diligent searches places you know reason suspect, unlicensed, *.'19 And device libel replaced governmental press,20 too enforced aid warrants—authorizing either arrest connected publication particular premises, person alleged libel.21 Enforcement through finally judicially condemned England. consequence 1760's between Crown opposition led John Wilkes, author editor North Briton. From came great Entick Carrington, 19 How.St.Tr. 1029, has called 'one landmarks English liberty.' Boyd United States, 116 616, 626, 524, 530, 29 746. based charge Entick, writer paper, executing ransacked Entick's home four carted quantities Lord Camden declared common law, despite long history. said: 'This assumed secretary party's first instance. His rifled; valuable secrets out possession, charged competent jurisdiction, convicted writing, publishing, paper.' At 1064. expressly dismissed contention could justified 'necessary ends lodge officer; better prevent punish offender afterwards.' 1073. Wilkes Wood, 1153, 45 He calling unnamed amounted 'discretionary given messengers wherever suspicions chance fall. truly invested can delegate power, certainly affect every man kingdom, totally subversive liberty subject.' Id., 1167.22 11 history was, course, part intellectual matrix constitutional fabric shaped. Bill Rights fashioned background knowledge unrestricted stifling expression. serious hazard innocent expression inhered discretion confided authorized exercise II. 12 involved abuses inimical protected Roth 354 476, 485, 77 1304, 1309, 1498,23 'obscenity area constitutionally press.' But itself recognized complexity test obscenity vital safeguards denial 'the protection does treat sex manner appealing prurient interest.' page 488, 1311. since State's limited Smith People California, 361 147, 155, 80 215, 220, 205, said, 'The matter mean barrier practical power.' inasmuch 'our holding recognize restrict dissemination obscene.' 152, 218. therefore impose absolute liability material, dispense element scienter dealing evils impure food drugs. remarked distinction cases: 'There inhibition making distributors strictest censors merchandise, guarantees stand way imposing bookseller.' pages 152—153, Court's assimilation literature gambling paraphernalia contraband purposes answer appellants' claim, merely restates treated way. case, broadly 'obscene publications,' poses problems raised 'gambling implements' 'all intoxicating liquors' cases cited 125. implicates questions leading adequate avoid '* (T)he line unconditionally guaranteed legitimately regulated, suppressed, punished finely drawn. separation legitimate illegitimate calls sensitive tools Speiser Randall, 357 513, 525, 78 1332, 1342, 1460.24 follows that, Amendment, adopt pleases obscenitya regard consequences speech. 13 lacked demands assure nonobscene entitled. Putting side fact opportunity elicit contest reasons officer's belief, argue propriety judge, still strength conclusory assertions single officer, scrutiny materials considered broadest officers; repeated language statute complaints, specified left individual many selection view constituted publications.' So far appears record, none except had previously subsequently seized. plain instances, all, actually ad hoc decisions spot gauged spent decision little reflection deliberation. As appeared Lieutenant's nothing basis good faith conclude task assigned simply impossible perform realistic expectation might accurately separated protected. guide informed discretion, step designed focus searchingly obscenity. Chafee, Mass Communications, pp. 200—218. suppressed withheld market over months obscene.25 one-third strengthens conclusion cannot officials greater operative. Procedures sweep discrimination obviously deficient techniques Due Process Clause erosion guarantees.26 III. 14 reliance Kingsley Inc., Brown, 436, 1325, 1469, misplaced. differences New York upheld marked. amount 'limited injunctive remedy,' closely defined procedural safeguards, sale written trial obscene,' supra, 437, 1326, scheme operation inhibited circulation indiscriminately absence suc safeguards. First, initiated been displayed, annexed obscene.27 court, restraining pending final independent check prosecuting point restraint took place. Second, restraints temporary permanent, ran publication; catchall 'obscene' imposed defendants there, comparable mass removal range circulation.28 Third, support proposition extensive adversary obscenity, irrespective legally noted attempting disobedience interim entered hearing. pointed well construe punishment book trial. 443, note 2, 1329. doubt effective restraint—indeed possible—was lay hands physically removed distributor. circulate then raise claim nonobscenity defense doing never possessed away. Their ability securing copies, public's obtain determined distributor's readiness outwit obtaining selling addition unseemliness, do kind competition affords likelihood entitled protection, will reach public. belief unavailing seizes him.29 Finally, subdivision merits trial, joinder request injunction.30 contrast, statutory drawn limitation made, provision rapid elapsed decision.31 circumstances thoroughgoing drastic Books. 15 fashion effected protect sustaining condemnation sustained. occasion correctness finding Nor us lacks condemn material. Since infected proceedings, vindicate rights reversed, remanded proceedings inconsistent opinion. ordered. 16 Judgment reversed remanded. BLACK, whom DOUGLAS joins, concurring. 18 attempt specifically describe 'things seized,' Fourth requires. historical summary demonstrates, major adopting amendment bar Federal using precisely 'unreasonable seizure' 'papers' 'effects' having them. especially Howell's Trials 1073—1076; 624—630, 528—530, 746; Frank Maryland, 359 360, 374, 79 804, 812, 877 (dissenting opinion). my makes applicable States full extent terms, applies Government. Adamson 332 46, 68, 67 1672, 1683, 91 1903 Only last Term Wolf Colorado, 338 25, 69 1359, 93 1782, 'it unequivocally unanimous Constitution, virtue prohibits unreasonable seizures officers.' Elkins 206, 213, 1437, 1442, 1669. Mapp Ohio, 643, 1684, 1081, '(s)ince Amendment's right privacy enforceable Fourteenth, sanction exclusion Government.' prohibitions Amendments, concur reversal judgment. separate statutes. Mac Sales Co., Mo.App., 263 860. statutes Mo.Rev.Stat. §§ 563.270, 563.280, 563.290; 563.310, V.A.M.S. 542.380, pertinent provides: 'Upon oath, apprehension offenders, articles herein county satisfied ground complaint, sheriff constable county, articles: '(2) Any articles, sold, published, exhibited, circulated, viz.: lewd, licentious, indecent lascivious phamphlets, ballads, drawings, lithographs, engravings, models, casts, prints othr indecent, immoral character, letters, handbills, cards, circulars, advertisements notices giving information, directly indirectly, when, where, how obtained.' govern paraphernalia, contraceptive devices, manufacture produce items. Fraudulent, forged, counterfeited writings instruments them, seizure. 542.440. Rule 33.01 Rules Criminal Procedure '(a) writing try offenses now amay hereafter State, territorial magistrate, verified oath affirmation positively belief; supported affidavits evidential cause, described. '(b) thereon contain description searched searched, detail particularity enable serving readily ascertain identify same.' 542.400, twenty date service mentioned section retain until Written given, least posting conspicuous delivering claiming interest property, whose name known warrant, leaving usual abode member family household above age fifteen years. Such clerk judge.' 542.410, 'Rights owner.—The charges nature determine, produced 542.380.' 542.420, 'Disposition property.—If otherwise, mentioned, owner. prosecution, possessionu ntil neither destroyed needed evidence.' bought stands, another edition fourth stand, fifth stand. included so-called 'girlie' nudist treatises manuals sex, photography cartoon joke photographs. Because result reach, unnecessary appellants, invalid face unconstitutional censorship previous publications; courts obscenity; (3) 1498. Arber, Transcript Registers Stationers London, 1554—1640 A.D., p. xxxi. Elton, 106. 182—183. 83, 85—86, 97. 139, citing Pat.Roll, Jac.I, Pt. 18; id., II, 15. 529—536. 214—215, 72. 254, Minute Entry Book 5, 177. 256, Book, Chas. 1664, Vol. 21, 21; 16, 130. Cal.St.P., Dom.Ser., 1690—1691, 74. One primary objections House Commons' why thel icensing renewed included: 'Because Act subjects Mens Houses, Peers Commoners, Time, Day Night, Warrant Sign Manual, Hand Secretaries Messenger, Messenger Reason suspect there; Houses Persons like Search, Master Wardens Company, them.' Journal Lords, April 18, 1695, 546. 21 374—376. 22 contemporary London pamphlet summed widespread indignation papers: 'In party-crime, public libel, endure indiscriminately? kind, extravagant, inquisitorial. infamous theory, downright tyranny despotism practice.' Father Candor, Letter Concerning Libels, Warrants, Seizure Papers, 48 (2d ed. 1764, J. Almon printer). Lasson, History Development 42—50; 1695—1763, 29—32, 49—50. broader writ assistance, met vigorous American Colonies Revolution. Unlike Briton affair designated writs illegally imported goods merchandise. Moreover, additio duration. effect, complete officials; words Otis, placed petty officer.' Tudor, Life Otis (1823), 66. 51 78. 23 Alberts 24 Carrington justification abuse suppressing accepted 'men evil keeping.' How.St.Tr., 1072. 'If (libels seized), am afraid, inconveniences follow part. general, fall rummaged conviction.' 1071. 25 Among titles Dawn Rational Sex Ethics,' 'Sex Symbolism,' 'Notes Cases Sexual Suppression,' 'Your Affections, Emotions Feel- ings,' 'Sexual Impotence, Its Causes Treatments,' Psychology Life,' 'Freud Sleep Dreams,' Determination Sex,' Psychoanalysis,' 'Artificial Insemination,' 'Syphilis, Treatise Public,' 'What You Shol d Know About Impotency,' 'Variations Behavior,' Marriage,' 'Pyschopathia Sexualis,' Technique Deviations,' Practice Later Years,' 'Marriage, Sex, Family Problems.' 26 practice prelude condemnation, Campbell's Obscene Publications 1857, Vict., c. 83. originally proposed, would granted magistrates Chief Commissioner Police. affidavit statement suspicion searched. 146 Hansard's Parliamentary Debates, 3d Series, 866. provisions Parliament. members emphasized difficulty defining extremely dangerous. 330—332, 1360—1362, 147 Hansard, 1863—1864. result, amendments adopted removing grant commissioner authorize requiring specificity allegations issued, providing constitute common-law misdemeanor. Lyndhurst, draftsman amendments, explained: 'I swear believe, lead belief. stop there. is, what are, party publishing guilty misdemeanour. 1360. Chancellor summarized changes: 'As stood, search-warrants precautions 1362. According recent Act, ordinarily buy work suspected sent Director Public Prosecutions. latter advice for. seek laid character justify Memorandum Association Officers Wales, Minutes Evidence Taken Before Select Committee Commons Bill, 1956 132—136. also, 1959, Eliz. Mod.L.Rev. 285. 27 feasibility particularization apparent, sold distributing Compare Camden's remark Carrington,d irected justifiable means uncovering crime: sake discovering allowed, crime (seditious libel) others excepted, wanting discovery other. committed open daylight, world; 1074. refused enjoin future question, stating: '(u)nless injunction sought, inappropriate respect feature plaintiff seeks likely trespass area, reject prayer.' Burke 208 Misc. 150, 168 169, 142 N.Y.S.2d 735, 751. Cf. Near Minnesota rel. Olson, 283 697, 625, 75 1357. Freund, Civil Liberties, Vand.L.Rev. 533, 539. Blackstone's often-quoted formulation principle though restricted prohibition 'previous nevertheless acknowledged importance adjudicatory inoffensive wrote: (as present) dangerous which, fair impartial adjudged pernicious tendency, preservation Commentaries, 151—152. (Emphasis added.) Butler, J., 723, 633: declares powerless restrain circulating among people malicious, defamatory periodicals course nuisance.' 30 implicated parties waived 31 objection renewal licensing: appoints Time wherein Archbishop, Bishop appoint learned Man, go Customhouse, Books; delay till Importer undone, Part Stock lie dead Journals

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