Document: 366 U.S. 82 81 S.Ct. 978 6 L.Ed.2d 135 In re George ANASTAPLO, Petitioner. No. 58. Argued Dec. 14, 1960. Decided April 24, 1961. Mr. Anastaplo, petitioner, pro se. William C. Wines, Chicago, Ill., for respondent. Justice HARLAN delivered the opinion of Court. 1 The questions presented by this case are similar to those involved in 28, Konigsberg v. State Bar California, 36, 997, 105. 2 1954 an instructor and research assistant at University having previously passed his Illinois bar examinations, was denied admission that Supreme Court.1 denial based upon refusal answer Committee on Character Fitness as whether he a member Communist Party.2 This Court, two Justices dissenting, refused review. 348 946, 75 439, 99 L.Ed. 740. 1957, following Court's decisions earlier case, 353 252, 77 722, 810, Schware Board Examiners New Mexico, 232, 752, 796, Anastaplo sought have rehear application certification. Committee, divided vote, refused, but Court reversed directed rehearing.3 3 ensuing lengthy proceedings before Committee,4 which only witness, perhaps best described wide-ranging exchange between explore Anastaplo's ability conscientiously swear support Federal Constitutions, required attorneys' oath, undertook expound defend, historical ideological premises, abstract belief 'right revolution,' resist, grounds asserted constitutional right scruple, deemed improper.5 already had it uncontroverted evidence 'good moral character,' form written statements or affidavits furnished persons standing acquainted with him, record rehearing contains nothing could properly be considered reflecting adversely character reputation sincerity beliefs espoused Committee.6 persisted, however, refusing answer, among other inquiries,7 Committee's possible membership Party allegedly related organizations. 4 Thereafter vote 11 6, again declined certify because such questions, majority stating its report Court: 5 'his (Anastaplo's) failure reply, our view, (1) obstructs lawful processes (ii) prevents inquiry into subjects bear intimately issue fitness, loyalty basic institutions, representative government bona fides attorney's oath (iii) results meet burden establishing possesses good fitness practice law, conditions granting license law. 'We draw no inference disloyalty subversion from applicant's continued concerning subversive affiliations. We do, hold there is strong public interest being free question applicants their adherence institutions attorneys overrides private keeping views himself. By failing respond higher we applicant has obstructed proper functions Committee. * cannot worthy trust confidence when do not know so prevented us finding out.' 7 At same time full acknowledged 8 'is well regarded academic associates, professors who taught him school members personally *'; 9 10 'not been supplied any information third party derogatory general 12 'received outside source would cast doubt tend connect manner group.' 13 Further, found 14 'with respect overthrow force violence, while strongly libertarian expressed intensity fervor necessarily shared all citizens, inconsistent held many patriotic Americans both present throughout course country's history themselves reveal doctrines.' Upon review, over three dissents,8 confirmed reaffirming per curiam court's 15 '* conclusion determination can conscience take defend constitutions United States impossible where refuses state group dedicated violence.' 18 Ill.2d 182, 200—201, 163 N.E.2d 429, 439. 16 granted certiorari, 362 968, 80 955, 900, set matter argument along 105, Cohen Hurley, 117, 954, 156. 17 Two issues litigation settled contemporary opinion. constitutionally impermissible legislatively, through court-made regulation here Konigsberg, adopt rule will admitted law if, long as, material examining committee interrogating cross-examining qualifications. That function incontestably established opinions case. Ill. 2d page 476, 121 829; 188, 432.9 also State's enforcing applied refusals about outweighs deterrent effect freedom speech association, hence action does offend Fourteenth Amendment.10 think valid distinction circumstance some, though weak, independent once connected Party, Anastaplo. Where, bar, may withhold privilege available possessing requisite qualifications, significance interrogation matters relevant these qualifications—in membership—is prompted sources, arises merely faith need exploratory testing questioning applicant. Were otherwise, this, resources own investigation, might placed untenable position without assurance significant aspect qualifications himself circumstanced supply. Constitution unreasonably fetter States.11 19 issues, arise disposed Konigsberg. first given adequate warning consequences relating membership. second exclusion ground was, circumstances arbitrary discriminatory. I. 20 below reflect awareness part warned advance answer.12 Cf. Bar, 261, 727. On stands unusual one clearly result very put rehearing. See note 2, supra. nevertheless, contends lulled false sense security various occurrences hearings: several indicating asked should bearing level importance eyes Committee;13 (2) statement principal 'per se' exclusion, automatically operate exclude bar.14 21 These suggestions, taken separately together, viewed insubstantial. sum substance renewed petitioner fully aware rejected now professes left doubt, made manifest attach special affiliation adverse follow if persisted them. 22 What follows suffice show whole did approve every hardly central approval early informed: 23 'Now you pivotal, important connection your qualification. I must tell consider question, 'Are Party,' question; serious application.' 24 And last hearing leading responded insistence told even more explicitly what pointing out 25 'The ruled ask Party. You question.'15 26 petitioner's repeated objections hearings basis evident purpose give much greater emphasis than unanswered inquiries, dispel quite Communist-affiliation were treated differently answer. 27 claim lack equally untenable. It true visited him. entitled 'could might.' This, certainly rise infirmity. Even charged crime due process demand specific sanction violates enough might' more. indubitable reason original rejection application. knew Illinois' questions—indeed here.16 28 Petitioner failry requirement duly met. II. 29 Petitioner's exclusionary arbitary discriminatory rejected. contended particular obstruct body law; real why proceeded disapproval protected resist tyrannical government. Neither contention accepted. 30 sufficient say substantial altogether favorable curtain investigation point. supplement test credibility ends insist unprivileged answers today's affiliations were, them not, unfavorable 31 As contention, justify holding invoked refusal-to-answer mask notions government.17 While observe 'a question' judicial decrees compatible taking 'certain' thought affirmatively demonstrated disqualification bar,18 perfectly clear cooperate examination certification.19 32 A different suggested reheard willingness light transpire hearings, resistance after became refuse questions. factors indicate attempting exercise informed judgment situation appropriate waiver continuing requirement, enforced answered. Finally, contrary assumption some arguments behalf seem proceeded, understand continue longer continues find suggest decides assuming justifying resulted. short, holds key hands. 33 conclude observing solely adjudication, pass done another court still less express view wisdom action. With regard limited range authority offends Constitution.20 therefore affirmed. 34 Affirmed. 35 BLACK, whom THE CHIEF JUSTICE, DOUGLAS BRENNAN concur, dissenting. 36 associations. violated rights guaranteed First Amendments. reasons lead me largely my dissenting 56, 1010. But provides striking illustration destruction inflicted individual liberty fails enforce Amendment extent unequivocal terms deserves separate treatment. 37 controversy began November 1950,1 student Chicago Law School, months successfully Illinos examination, appeared usual interview preliminary Bar. personal filled filed prior appearance showed unusually admission. His life spent small town southern parents, immigrated country Greece birth, resided. After received precollege education schools home town, discontinued education, age eighteen, joined Air Force during middle World War II—flying navigator major theater military operations war. receiving honorable discharge 1947, come resumed obtaining undergraduate degree entering immediately study School. life, citizen, unblemished. 38 thus contain fact past conduct have, way, did, which, minds least, way served touch off controversy. response command form: 'State principles underlying (a) States.' follows: 39 'One principle consists doctrine separation powers; thus, Executive, Legislative, Judiciary distributed powers designed provide balance power, thereby intending prevent totally unrestrained branch Another (and most important) constituted secure certain inalienable rights, Life, Liberty Pursuit Happiness elements forth parts Bill Rights.). And, course, whenever power becomes destructive ends, people alter abolish thereupon establish new how Constitution.' (Emphasis supplied.) 40 When two-man Subcommittee Fitness, almost engaged discussion meaning italicized words substantially Declaration Independence below.2 soon developed stood insisted gets bad enough, revolution.' juncture interrupted question: organization listed Attorney General's list, knowledge?' followed up few moments later Party?'3 colloquy then ensued legitimacy asked, insisting reasonably they under Constitution, entirely legitimate. 41 but, instead, further next hearing, followed, little repetitions first. rift grown ever wider each successive hearing. stead-fastly inquired political associations religious beliefs. faced refusal, insistent sees fit ask. series 'possible' association scores organizations, including Ku Klux Klan, Silver Shirts (an Fascist organization), so-called Democratic Republican point proceedings, least believes Being stated that, far concerned, man's 'belief Deity law.' 42 true, points out, expressly rest either 'right' defined Independence, disclose existence God,4 and, since presume want seems influence final outcome hearings. 11—6, admission, voted favor. 43 again—first, later, briefs oral behalf, Illinois. From legal standpoint, gave decision went deeper bare reliance rights. shows stemmed primarily duty, society profession, submit demands believed harassing agreement assertion revolution against evil Independence. closing remarks session: 44 'It close. Differences remain. leave others sometimes necessary relatively easy task praising Athens Athenians. Besides, praise said contribution make republican until makes contribution. grateful complete submission you, cooperated permits. To submitted, contributed solution pressing problems men devoted face. problem selecting standards methods employ help preserve nourish idealism, vital justice, often lies heart intelligent sensitive student's choice career. idealism things practices, discourage unfashionable retain. worthiest live rewards virtue greatest. 45 'I suggestion yourselves honor, service, anticipating thoughtful judges. move recommend State. recommendation retroactive 10, 1950 young veteran foolish serve daring teaching 46 clear. Its job, determine possessed regard, benefit voluminous professions community fine character. Dr. Alexander Meiklejohn, Professor Philosophy, Emeritus, Wisconsin, example, 'intellectually able, hard, thorough moved high devotion justice.' Malcolm P. Sharp School stated: 'No raised honesty integrity, conduct, characterized friendliness, quiet independence, industry courage, reflected reputation.' Roscoe T. Steffen said: doubts integrity.' Yves R. Simon, Philosophy man distinguished lofty Everybody respects likes him.' Angelo G. Geocaris, practicing attorney City Anastaplo: 'His code ethics unexcelled met Illinois.' Robert J. Coughlan, Division Director project integrity are, opinion, beyond question. highly slightest reservation involving highest sacred trust. rare today: inviolable Honor great traditions Greek culture thought. If American glory institution.' 47 like Most came campus remained involved, working lecturer Liberal Arts studying advanced History Social Sciences. time, preparing doctoral dissertation understandably tentatively Historical Philosophical Background 48 supplemented obtained conducting informal investigations reputation. sent agents questioned there. Similar inquiries Chicago. intensive apparently5 failed produce say, directly, indirectly hearsay, thing character, link particularly become person apparently cell identify knew. 49 addition investigations, opportunity conducted hours it. manner, revealed undenied findings contrary, absolutely desired. Faced barrage provocative irrelevant openly hostile position, invariably dignity restraint attributed friends. Moreover, amiss precisely 50 Thus, background mountain word 'overwhelming' inadequate describe considered. rationalized perform duty determining lawyer. minority explanation 'pure sophistry.' simply read agreeing minority. For, difficult see relevancy completely overwhelming proof reasonable staunch patriotism. sound questionable, human, feeling permitted compelled suffer way. 51 intimated resentment assuaged add requested submitted connection, says: hands.' However familiar phrase cases, one. For attitude transcript gain answering whatever give. Indeed, discloses revolution' raising (how many, know) categorically admit expresses views. Nor 'holds Quite evidences insuperable reluctance upset Certainly, vaguely resembles sort implicit promise here. finally, nor companion cases decided today, unlock door blocks produced 'key' authorities use 52 recognizes scrap 'which Committee,' "information group." concedes correct urging impinged freedoms But, goes nonetheless excluded pursuant 'the lawyers broadest *.'6 holding, justified. Consider it, context Committee—remarks deny: 53 speak remind keep alive spirit dignified determined advocacy opposition. means exercises self-control peculiar mediate popular passions principled men, upholding Unless mediation, responsible unlikely. furthermore, apply daily lives inner life. nourishment, just humane impossible. is, train precept example people.'7 54 lacks sense.' 55 majority, considering possibly learning applicants, purporting 'balance' 'having sense' protecting Amendment, concluding, usually engages process, 'on balance' prevail.8 doubted 'balancing test' comes close governmental absolutism—that inevitably destroy liberty—those dissipated test'—which, speech, press, assembly, religion petition repressed doing so—here proves pitifully pathetically cope invasion plainly unjustified feels disclaim 'any action.' 56 I, wholeheartedly agree unwise, interfere within am permit abridges People better, 'wiser,' abridge free. inherent vice purports that. test,' disclaimer action' wholly 57 escape inconsistency deals Barenblatt facts (360 109, 79 1093): 'Where resolution always involves balancing courts competing interests stake shown.'9 Thus 'balances' respective values policies matter, shown.' reserved itself deny abridgement according repression wiser policy 58 'balancing' reject willing sacrifice career livelihood defense Amendment. founded wrote Rights strangers neither urgency control Thomas Jefferson disclaiming Patrick Henry declared impassioned down years: 'Give death.' won who, practiced Revolutionary War. 59 Since beginning governments practices bad, cruel, unjust women themselves. simple illustrations, 2,000 years ago burned Christians fiery crosses government, century, Jews crematories. venture countless multitudes country, world, join tyrranical those. 60 saying borne mind indicated, remotely, oppressive exercised.10 entire disclosed record, service country—first, risk war professional peace. conflict Government resulted, fear divulge activities, sincere, correct, conviction preservation depends Rights. fairly took too responsibility preserving 61 illustrates affording protections qualities needed Bar.11 shows, moral, ethical activities combines common virtues uncommon courage stand cost. greatly honored profession law—men Malsherbes, cost family, sprang unafraid Louis XVI fanatical leaders France12—men Charles Evans Hughes, Sr., Chief socialists officials despite threats clamorous protests self-proclaimed superpatriots13—men Jr., John W. Davis, everything Communists stood, advised Congress 1948 unconstitutional proposed outlaw Party14—men Lord Erskine, James Otis, Clarence Darrow, multitude dared causes clients danger lose nobility constantly replenished these. thoroughly orthodox, time-serving, government-fearing individuals humiliate degrade 62 trend, walk Too driven time-serving strike fearless please think.15 trend halted Founders Nation future generations heritage sacrificed us. me. freedom, return language afraid 63 BRENNAN, JUSTICE joins, 64 BLACK's dissent. Speiser Randall, 357 513, 78 1332, 1460, dissent 80, 1022. procedure summarized (3 471, pages 475 826, 829): 'In personnel compose adopted Rule 58, (Ill.Rev.Stat.1951, chap. 110, par. 259.58,) governs admissions provides, things, shall satisfactory certification Fitness. Section IX creation committees imposes examine appear citizenship. Still condition precedent State, imposed legislature, constitution 13, 4.)' occasion 480, 831): therefore, may, membership, unable truthfully practice, inquire party. negative accepted end truthfulness doubted, varacity proper. affirmative received, innocence knowledge nature relevant. Under hypothesis, known 'front' organizations bar. inquiring citizenship justifies certificate.' remanding (see Ill.2d, 186, 431): "The concerns Yates States, 354 298, 1064, 1356. Additional concern denied, "We allowed heard matters, so, conclusions." consumed six days, resulted 400 pages. More particularly: routine history. He grounds, affiliated church. answered organizational relationships 'political' named list 'subversive' Klan America. Much five sessions believing privileged, unjustifiable attempt, repudiated delve consistency office. revolved around revolt exceptional circumstances. Although us, contained unfavorably 5, filed. Bristow dissented grounds. 201, Schaefer joining single reach 224, 928. (18 432): advises activities. practical states traditionally expected carry establishing, devolves test, applicant, worth proffers. agree, discretion exercised ordinarily reviewed. Frank, 293 263, 127 N.E. 640.' materiality rested directly California statute disqualifying advocating forcible whereas likelihood lawyer orderly lie roots system, cf. 360 1081, 1115, significance. Garner Public Works Los Angeles, 341 716, 71 909, 95 1317; Communications Ass'n CIO Douds, 339 382, 70 674, 94 925. states: repeatedly regarding affect bar.' 196, 436): exists notice answer; specifically notified pointed mere approved weight attached understand?' observed, remark, episode questions: 'Mr. exactly entails. suggesting se block bar? 'Commissioner Stephan: No, might. see. fitness. 'yes,' sure inquiry. probe kind be, active member, dues-paying policy-making officer local group, is. So seriousness time. assume care me? mean—I America, amount point, reasons. Would ones? being—this ignore proceeding. _ _: includes country. Whatever relevance relevant.' brought Beilan Education, etc., 399, 1317, 1414, Lerner Casey, 468, 1311, 1423, down, drawing attention seriously suggested, guard instead interrogate widely. Not subsequent events generally warning, large complains led astray exploring declining Both apparent area played 86—88, 981—982, supra; 432. illustrations arise. were: Nazi Germany; Hungary 1956 Russia; hypothetical decree 'some dead pagan official capital sentence Jesus Christ. Asked realistic instance proper, summarized: decree, hand, occurred. No—I grant hard instances. instances.' Nothing remotely suggests approbation members. Supra, 981 982. Apart anything else, room Rules brief 'independently induced take.' Revised U.S.C.A. culminated certiorari (348 740), National Fire Ins. Co. Hartford Thompson, 281 331, 336, 288, 290, 74 881, cited truths self-evident, Men created equal, endowed Creator unalienable Rights, Liberty, Happiness—That Governments instituted Men, deriving Powers Consent Governed, Form Ends, Right institute Government, laying Foundation Principles, organizing Form, likely Safety Happiness.' excerpt indicates subsequently associations: Mitchell: 'believe don't limit election means? mean actual force. go necessary? Washington instance. fair believe used? proportionate sight. Well, difference question? Did ask— change, justified, used accomplish end. Now, let's positive concrete situation—I abstract. detail. overthrown, justified company equipment proceed Illinois? 'By shaking head yes? get necessary, include justification putting spy administrative department, departments got legitimate means. There isn't propriety using gun spy? spies causes. Your so? Yes. Baker: Let Are Department organizations? Have seen list? knowledge? (No answer.) Just work mentally organizations—give of. oughtn't hard. Do Yes, do. compel Party?' eventually disavow disagreement vitality old indicated God order testify. abandonment recent disapproving decision. interesting knowing favor although allow reports denying existed, 52, 1008, relies introduced book review published 1954. Review: Drinker, Legal Ethics, Law. Guild Rev. 144. misapplied Illinois, placing prove advocate Government. here, 1460. 126, 1093, 1115. Id., 127—134, 2093—1097. Chafee: 'Most change laws ought disagree vehemently urge violent methods, energetic steps execution. desirability resorting violence purposes ruthlessly stamped out. enough.' Chafee, Free Speech 178 (Harvard Press, 1942). Summers, 325 561, 65 1307, 89 1795, 5—4 upheld Clyde Summers Constitution. volunteer services XVI, seventy, safe post-revolutionary blood bath enveloped France. Revolution, friend retirement earlier. Within year unsuccessful France's former king, he, together convicted revolutionary tribunal vague charge conspiracy safety unity Republic.' Malsherbes guillotine where, forced witness beheading paid story interestingly Davis. Lawyers Lawyer, 1942, p. 6—13. Hughes' participation fight York Legislature suspending 1920 O'Brian, Loyalty Tests Guilt Association, Harv.L.Rev. 592, 593—594. 147—148 (dissenting opinion), 1103—1104. See, e.g., Barsky Regents, 347 442, 650, 98 Uphaus Wyman, 72, 1040, 1090; 1460; 364 388; Wilkinson 365 567; Braden 431, 584;

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