Document: 407 U.S. 67 92 S.Ct. 1983 32 L.Ed.2d 556 Margarita FUENTES, Appellant,v.Robert L. SHEVIN, Attorney General of Florida, et al.* Paul PARHAM al., Appellants, v. Americo V. CORTESE al. Nos. 70—5039, 70—5138. Argued Nov. 9, 1971. Decided June 12, 1972. Rehearing Denied Oct. 10, See 93 177, 180. Syllabus most whom were purchasers household goods under conditional sales contracts, challenge the constitutionality prejudgment replevin provisions Florida law (in No. 70—5039) and Pennsylvania 70—5138). These permit a private party, without hearing or prior notice to other obtain writ through summary process ex parte application court clerk, upon posting bond for double value property be seized. The sheriff is then required execute by seizing property. Under statute officer must keep it three days. During that period defendant may reclaim possession his own security property's value, in default which transferred applicant writ, pending final judgment underlying repossession action. In need not initiate action allege (as requires) legal entitlement property, being sufficient he file an 'affidavit property'; secure post-seizure party losing himself suit recover He also post counterbond within days seizure regain possession. Included printed-form contracts appellants signed sellers' merchandise on buyers' default. Three-judge District Courts both cases upheld challenged provisions. Held: 1. are invalid Fourteenth Amendment since they work deprivation due denying right opportunity heard before chattels taken from possessor. Pp. 80—93. (a) Procedural context these requires State authorizes its agents seize person another, minimal deterrent effect requirement against unfounded applications constitutes no substitute presiezure hearing. 80—84. (b) From standpoint Due Process Clause immaterial temporary nonfinal during three-day period. 84—86. (c) possessory interest appellants, who had made substantial installment payments, was them invoke procedural safeguards notwithstanding their lack full title replevied goods. 86—87. (d) erred rejecting appellants' constitutional claim ground seized items 'necessity' therefore did require protection, as imposes such limitation. 88—90. (e) broadly drawn here involved serve important state might justify seizure. 90—93. 2. contract seller buyer's amount waiver rights, those neither dispensing with nor indicating procedure achieved. D. H. Overmyer Co. Frick Co., 405 174, 775, 31 124, distinguished. 94 96. 317 F.Supp. 954, 70—5138, 326 127, vacated remanded. 1 C. Michael Abbott, Atlanta, Ga., Fuentes others, pro hac vice, special leave Court. 2 Herbert T. Schwartz, Deputy Atty. Gen., Tallahassee, Fla., appellee Robert Shevin, Fla. 3 George W. Wright, Jr., Miami, Firestone Tire Rubber 4 David A. Scholl, Philadelphia, Pa., Parham 5 F. Maxwell, appellees, Cortese others. 6 Mr. Justice STEWART delivered opinion 7 We review decisions two three-judge federal laws authorizing person's replevin. Both statutes provide issuance writs ordering possessions, simply any claims posts bond. Neither provides given possessor gives at kind question whether statutory procedures violate Amendment's guarantee shall deprive law. 8 * appellant 5039, Fuentes, resident Florida. She purchased gas stove service policy (Firestone) calling monthly payments over time. A few months later, she stereophonic phonograph same company sort contract. total cost stereo about $500, plus additional financing charge $100. retained merchandise, but Mrs. entitled unless until should her payments. 9 For more than year, But then, only $200 remaining paid, dispute developed between servicing stove. instituted small-claims stero, claiming refused make Simultaneously filing even received summons answer complaint, obtained disputed once. 10 conformance procedure,1 fill blanks appropriate form documents submit clerk court. stamped issued Later day, local deputy agent went Fuentes' home stereo. 11 Shortly thereafter, present district court, challenging Amendment.2 sought declaratory injunctive relief continued enforcement authorize replevin.3 12 5138 filed very similar Pennsylvania, State's process. Like possessions Three personal bed, table, goods—under like one Fuentes; sellers executed replevin, fallen behind experience th fourth appellant, Rosa Washington, been bizarre. divorced engaged him custody son. Her former husband, familiar routine forms used process, ordered boy's clothes, furniture, toys.4 13 5039 5138, convened consider challenges validity statutes. courts Faircloth, 954 (S.D.Fla.); Epps Cortese, 127 (E.D.Pa.).5 noted probable jurisdiction appeals. 401 906, 91 893, 27 804; 402 994, 2185, 29 159. II 14 here,6 '(a)ny whose wrongfully detained . have ..' Fla.Stat.Ann. § 78.01 (Supp.1972—1973). There convincing showing are, fact, 'wrongfully detained.' Rather, automatically relies bare assertion seeking allows issue summarily. It initiating reciting conclusory fashion 'lawfully possession' 15 'in least conditioned plaintiff will prosecute delay if recovers action, return thereof adjudged, pay all sums money recovered action.' 78.07 (Supp.1972 1973). 16 On sole basis complaint bond, 'command(ing) directed replevy summon complaint.' 78.08 If dwelling house building enclosure,' demand delivery; delivered, 'he cause house, enclosure broken open according 78.10 17 Thus, moment receives him. provided allowed whatever writ. After has seized, eventually hearing, trial repossession, pursue. And wholly recourse meantime. statute, seizes days, value. does repossession. 78.13 18 law7 differs, though essential nature, As part prothonotary. Pa.Rule Civ.Proc. 1073(a). party. this basis, requried specified Unlike however, there ever merits conflicting obliged repossession.8 Indeed, formally lawfully replevied.' loses get lawsuit himself.9 also, law, after 1076. III 19 Although descended common-law six centureis ago, bear little resemblance it. Replevin common specific 'distrained.' Typically, landlord (the 'distrainor') tenant 'distrainee') satisfy debt allegedly owed. posted security, could once, action.10 However, follow entirely pleading distrainee. '(t)he distrainor always stop owner goods; often merely proceedings, de proprietate probanda devised early fourteenth century, enabled determine summarily ownership. ownership determined back distrainee (pending judgment).' Holdsworth, History English Law 284 (1927). 20 Prejudgment derived ancient judgment. similarity ends there. cases, commonly creditors detained—not taken—by debtors. At creditor wished power detained, proceed detinue.11 actions, judgment.12 And, importantly, occasions when allow power, some official determination relative rights disputing parties stepping into taking them. IV 21 century centrla meaning clear: 'Parties affected heard; order enjoy first notified.' Baldwin Hale, Wall. 223, 233, L.Ed. 531. Windsor McVeigh, 274, 23 914; Hovey Elliott, 167 409, 841, 42 215; Grannis Oredean, 234 385, 34 779, 58 1363. equally fundamental 'must granted meaningful time manner.' Armstrong Manzo, 380 545, 552, 85 1187, 1191, 62. 22 primary constitutionally defective failing hearings 'at time.' guarantees goods, aggrieved shoulders burden one. another. basic aspect duty government fair decisionmaking acts possessions. purpose ensure abstract play individual. Its purpose, particularly, protect use arbitrary encroachment—to minimize substantively unfair mistaken deprivations danger especially great benefit parkty. So viewed, prohibition reflects high embedded our political history, we place what his, free governmental interference. Lynch Household Finance Corp., 538, 1113, 1122, 424. 24 raises impenetrable barrier decision making works, itself, sepak up defense, listen say, interests can prevented. long recognized 'fairness rarely secret, one-sided facts decisive rights. (And n)o better instrument arriving truth give jeopardy serious loss case meet it.' Joint Anti-Fascist Refugee Committee McGrath, 341 123, 170—172, 71 624, 647, 95 817 Frankfurter, J., concurring). 25 clear still later individual's returned unfairly mistakenly place. Damages awarded wrongful deprivation. damage award undo fact subject already occurred. 'This Court embraced general proposition wrong done undone.' Stanley Illinois, 645, S.Ct 1208, 1210, 551. 26 This new principle Fifth Amendments. held tolerates variances 'appropriate nature case,' Mullane Central Hanover Tr. 339 306, 313, 70 652, 657, 865, 'depending importance subsequent proceedings (if any),' Boddie Connecticut, 371, 378, 780, 786, 28 113, traditionally insisted that, form, takes effect. E.g., Bell Burson, 535, 542, 1586, 1591, 90; Wisconsin Constantineau, 400 433, 437, 507, 510, 515; Goldberg Kelly, 397 254, 90 1011, 287; U.S., 551, S.Ct., 1191; supra, 656; Opp Cotton Mills Administrator, 312 126, 152 153, 61 524, 535—536, 624; United States Illnois R. 291 457, 463, 54 471, 473, 78 909; Londoner City & County Denver, 210 373, 385—386, 708, 713—714, 52 1103. re Ruffalo, 390 544, 550—551, 88 1222, 1225—1226, 117. 'That waiver, fixed affect root individual deprived significant interest, except extraordinary situations where valid stake justifies postponing event.' 378—379, 783 (emphasis original). fly face principle. To sure, requirements conclusorily possible liability damages wrong, deter hardly test strength applicant's belief rights.13 Since gain stake, too confidence misplaced. Lawyers judges phenomenon firmly convinced view prevail, quite willing risk costs litigation. Because understandable, self-interested fallibility litigants, decide hear sides—and generally take tentative itself examined support plaintiff's position. do issuing much. is, practical sense, informed evaluation neutral official. More specifically, matter principle, replacement truly effective safeguard While existence other, less effective, among considerations demanded far enough themselves obviate kind. V course, attaches encompassed protection. applied cast judgment; most, all, lacked chattels; dispute. Moreover, nothing assortment Nonetheless, protection Amendment. 30 theory, temporary. wait replevied. Within seizure, allowing he, return, surrenders property—a payment necessary him.14 now well settled temporary, nonetheless 'deprivation' terms Sniadach Family 395 337, 89 1820, 349; 90. takings included recovery provisions, defendants quickly them.15 Yet preceded different. When officials piece agree funds, knowledge, needed advantage provision. draws bright lines around three-day, 10-day 50-day Any purview Clause. length consequent severity another factor weigh determining B 'property,' never interpreted undisputed read extend 'any interest,' 379, including entitlements. 539, 1589; 262, 1017. 33 goods—the 342, 1823 (Harlan, They acquired transfer title. exchange immediate possession, agreed major beyond price merchandise. repossessed, Clearly, dearly bought protected contract,16 Their ultimate was, shown defaulted contractual obligations, would assuming defenses,17 here. depend advance surely prevail 'To protests say particular led result because adequate defense merit.' Coe Armour Fertilizer Works, 237 413, 424, 35 625, 629, 59 1027. outcome goods.18 C Nevertheless, rejected stove, stereo, so forth—were deserving absolute necessities life. based holding narrow reading Constitution wage garnishment termination certain welfare benefits. reasoned Goldberg, established respect basically 'necessary' wages 36 premise marked radical departure principles not. mainstream past having 'necessities' life establishing effect.19 152—153, 535—536; Illinois 473; Southern Virginia rel. Shirley, 290 190, 148, 260; 1103; Georgia 207 47, 134; Security Trust Safety Vault Lexington, 203 323, 87, 51 204; Hibben Smith, 191 310, 88, 48 195; Glidden v Harrington, 189 255, 574, 47 798. none hold limited types interests. emphasized benefits, convert emphasis doctrine.20 37 Nor carve out rule involved. That 90, mere suspension driver's license. license clearly rise level exemplified accurately stated, 'important id., 1589, 38 contracted paid sums, license, example, 'may become (indirectly) pursuit livelihood,' ibid., bed minimally decent environment human beings day-to-day lives. consumer people earn livelihood acquire. 39 No doubt, many gradations 'importance' various Stoves compared television sets, bedscould tables. objectivity, cannot rest distinctions. speaks 'property' generally. free-enterprise system, choices marketplace respected, however unwise seem someone else. business adjudicating critical ones lights, 'necessary.'21 VI 40 'extraordinary situations' 786. situations, unusual.22 Only outright seizure23 First, each case, directly public interest. Second, prompt Third, kept strict control monopoly legitimate force; responsible determining, standards narrowly justified instance. collect internal revenue States,24 needs national war effort,25 economic disaster bank failure,26 misbranded drugs27 contaminated food.28 41 stake.29 chattels, settle score. intervention compares furthering effort protecting health. limit demanding debtor destroy conceal us 'narrowly unusual condition.' 339, 1821. situation presented cases. 43 statutes, moreover, abdicate power. Private parties, serving advantage, unilaterally participates seek writ; reviews repossession; evaluates information matters. largely dark.30 VII 44 Finally, contention thereby waived event Seller option similarly retake' 'repossess' 'default payment.' parts printed appearing relatively small type unaccompanied explanations clarifying meaning. 45 recently outlined relevant Applying governing criminal proceeding31—although necessarily apply—the 'voluntarily, intelligently, knowingly' made. Id., 187, 783. negotiated corporations; provision specifically bargained drafted lawyers negotiations. noted, 'not unequal bargaining overreaching. Overmyer-Frick agreement, start, adhesion.' 186, 782. 'aware significance' Ibid. 46 cry Overmyer. who, event, equal purported condition sale. appellees actually aware significance fine print relied observed 'where adhesion, disparity (waiver) provision, consequences ensue.' 188, Yet, Overmyer, canvass fully. must, least, clear. concern ourselves involuntariness unintelligence language not, face, waiver. back,' repossess' indicate how process—a judgment, self-help, hearing—the statement seller's occurrence events. suggest events had, occurred available defenses. By token, waive preseizure VIII 49 insofar deny possessor.32 Our holding, tested hearings, legitimately potential variations subject, point, legislation—not adjudication.33 reason prevent axiomatic real test. '(D)ue afforded kinds 'notice' 'hearing' aimed validity, alleged 343, 540, 267, 1020. 50 foregoing reasons, judgments remanded further consistent opinion. ordered. Vacated 53 POWELL REHNQUIST participate consideration WHITE, THE CHIEF JUSTICE BLACKMUN join, dissenting. 55 Court's improvidently, my view, call aspects almost secured transactions repossessing I dissent reasons follow. 56 First: actions respective proceeded progress. seems apparent me instructed reconsider light announced Younger Harris, 37, 746, 669 (1971); Samuels Mackell, 66, 764, 688; Boyle Landry, 77, 758, 696; Perez Ledesma, 82, 674, 701. 57 commencement summoning complaint. Thereupon counterbond, await seq. attacked alleging affidavit Small Claims Dade County; pursuant thereto duly served, together complaint; date set Firestone's admitted asserted here, denied pending, bad faith harassment alleged, irreparable injury appeared averted raising objections proceeding. posture, appear reconsidered Harris companion Rule Civil Procedure 1073 expressly '(a)ction commended prothonotary praecipe issues care praecipe, us, commenced accordance rules, Sears, Roebuck urged plaintiffs 'adequate remedies pursue rules Pennsylvania.' App. 60. reconsidered. 60 Second: goes saying typical sale buyer purchase fully transaction buyer. stipulated prevails damages. issue, notes, comports seller, served affording insist establish reasonable obviously antagonistic interim period: wants deterioration security. intents purposes placed immobilized temporarily loss; undertake whole latter prevails. 62 considering resolution unconstitutional, much depends one's perceptions holds afford probable-cause stated 'to property.' buyer-debtor either default, 'fair,' essential, repossess; likelihood sufficiently recurring broad permits do. Sellers normally selling collecting creditor's occasioning occur; forward completed planned. Dollar-and-cents heavily false precipitate mistakes surface corrected.* lightly expense instituting putting bonds. 63 particularly 287 (1970); 551 (1972). automatic adversary proceedings. negates concept inflexible universally applicable every imaginable situation. .' '(W)hat circumstances begin precise function Cafeteria Restaurant Workers McElroy, 367 886, 895, 81 1743, 1748, 1230 (1961). 650, 1212; 263, 1018. Viewing light, construe Certainly, ignore, does, preventing Surely definition, debtor. debtor, likely uninterested speedy terminate rquired otherwise, conditioned. Cf. Lindsey Normet, 56, 862, 64 Third: rhetoric seductive, end analysis, reaches impact represents ideological tinkering withstand attack today's controlling credit instruments retake or, matter, resort judicial all. Alternatively, days' default; asserting doubtful mind protections substantially different provide. contrary, availability diminished securing increased. 65 None worth candle me. strikes down barbaric hangover bygone undergone intensive analysis recent years. Uniform Commercial Code, pervasively governs deals, Art. 9—503, that: 66 'Unless otherwise collateral. breach peace Recent studies suggested changes respect. Permanent Editorial Board Review Article Final Report, 9—503 (April 25, 1971). am content wrestled problems legislatures considered adopted contemplate precisely happened Together 70-5138, appeal Eastern Pennsylvania. Infra, 73—75. Fourth Amendment, Fourteenth. reach issue. n. 32, infra. injunction future such. Compare 669. extra-judicial subjected. invoked U.S.C. 1343(3). sued initiated infra, 77—78. announcement 349 come throughout country. unconstitutional courts. Laprease Raymours Furniture 315 716 (N.D.N.Y.); Blair Pitchess, Cal.3d 258, 96 Cal.Rptr. 42, 486 P.2d 1242. see Brunswick Corp. J. P., Inc., 424 F.2d 100 (CA10); Wheeler Adams 322 645 (D.Md.); Almor Appliances, Inc. MacMillan, 116 N.J.Super. 65, 280 A.2d 862. closely related remedies, construed setting forth struck remedies. Egley, 338 614 (S.D.Cal., 1972); Collins Viceroy Hotel (N.D.Ill.1972); Santiago 319 (E.D.Pa.); Klim Jones, 109 (N.D.Cal.); Randone Appellate Dept., 536, 709, 488 13; Larson Fetherston, Wis.2d 712, 172 N.W.2d 20; Jones Press, Motor Travel Services, 286 Minn. 205, 176 87. Lebowitz Forbes Leasing 1335, 1341—1348 (E.D.Pa.). Other courts, con- strued confined Reeves Contract 324 1011 (N.D.Ga.); Black Watch Farms Dick, 323 (D.Conn.); Ameican Olean Tile Zimmerman, 150 (D.Hawaii); Young Ridley, 309 1308 (D.C.); Termplan, Superior Maricopa County, 105 Ariz. 270, 463 68; 300 West 154th Street Realty Department Buildings, N.Y.2d 311 N.Y.S.2d 899, 260 N.E.2d 534. following: (Supp.1972—1973): 'Right replevin.—Any sustained caption detention herein provided. Or relief, instead retaken forthcoming bond.' 'Bond; requisites.—Before issues, surety payable approved 'Writ; form; return.—The command pos- session defendant, describing them, execution buildings, ect.—In executing secreted concealed enclosure, publicly delivery person, necessary, assistance county.' disposition levied on.—The deliver lapse (3) appraised officer, abide redelivered defendant.' regarding Pa.Stat.Ann., Tit. Writs authorized 'It lawfull justices county province grant whatsoever, replevins England, said directs, returnable pleas, proper county, law.' prerequisites Rules Procedure, P.S. Appendix. 'Rule 1073. Commencement Action '(a) An '(1) replevied, '(2) prothonotary, naming Commonwealth obligee, fails maintain costs, fees '(b) 'If entry plaintiff, prescribed subsidivision rule, original Counterbond intervenor lien thereon, seventy-two (72) hours 1077(a), extension shown. counterbond. 1077. Disposition Replevied Property. Sheriff's Return issued, writing. Property expiration impounded filed, plaintiff. '(c) files him, '(d) perishable relating proper. '(e) name address found 1073(b) whereby 7, supra. 1073(a) rather 1073(b), 1037(a) establishes suit: (under 1073(b)), enter twenty (20) non pros.' 70—5138 attempted 1037(a). Plucknett, Concise Common 369 (1956); 284—285 (1927); Pollock Maitland, 577 (1909); Cobbey, 19—29 (1890). 362—365; 173—175, 203—211. could, 'distraining' knows dealing uneducated, uniformed access help familiarity procedures, possibility property—however unwarranted—may go unchallenged, feel act impunity. argue quick exists theory. position able know possibility. Appellant says told gave once agent, asserts 442 1969, took 1587, mentioned opinion, Wis.Stat.Ann. 267.21(1) (Supp.1970—1971). Sniadach, 163, 173—174, 154 259, 265. Harlan adverted concurring 1823, 349. sorts 870, 36. There, wanting continuance eviction accruing rent continuance. remain hearing; rather, day son's toys safeguards. ordinary estranged husband child chattels. argues defend breached obligations repair defects sold her. show, simple. simplicity formality scheduling 869, certainly undercut Supreme California put accurately: 'sniadach 'Sniadach adjudication. rivulet Court.' 550, 718, 13, 22. 340, 1822; 264, 1018, 287. Of benefits; question. weight liberty relevant, See, e.g., 113 cited therein. hearing—formal informal—is 'cannot characterized minimis.' time, effort, expense, efficient dispense outweigh right. 540—541, 1589—1590; 261, 1016. intended promote efficiency accommodate interests: taken. 'The establishment efficacious achieve worthy cognizance recognizes higher values speed efficiency. fairly Bill Rights general, particular, designed fragile vulnerable citizenry overbearing efficacy characterize praiseworthy less, perhaps more, mediocre ones.' 656, 1215, attachment one, harm cases—a failure. Coffin Bros. Bennett, 277 29, 422, 72 768. Another court—clearly Ownbey Morgan, 256 94, 837. third decided unexplicated per curiam citing Ownbey. McKay McInnes, 279 820, 344, 73 975. doctrine goes, stand completely. involving interests, employment, unusually 895—896, 1748—1749, 1230. Seizure search warrant 30, Phillips Commissioner Internal Revenue, 283 589, 608, 75 1289. '(d)elay uncommon immediately satisfied.' 597, 611 supplied). Court, 'the promptly revenues.' 596, 611. Union Garvan, 254 554, 566, 214, 215, 403; Stoehr Wallace, 255 239, 245, 293, 296, 604; Pfitsch, 547, 553, 569, 571, 1084. Fahey Mallonee, 332 1552, 2030. Ewing Mytinger Casselberry, 594, 1088. North American Cold Storage Chicago, 211 101, 195. reduce party's Even decisions, nn. 24—28, avoidance imposed override 22, onerous creditor-debtor relationship. indisputably demonstrates creditordebtor contexts. aggregate exaggerated. deal heard. suits simple, forgo opportunity, sensing futility exercise case. warrant. highly need—e.g., apprehension conviction criminals—rather transaction. obvious hide evidence fruits crime notice. warrants cause. today way implies issued. cf. Quantity Books Kansas, 378 84 1723, 809. Brady States, 742, 748, 1463, 1468, 747; Johnson Zerbst, 304 458, 464, 1019, 1023, 82 1461. civil area, '(w)e presume acquiescence rights,' Ohio Tel. Public Utilities Comm'n, 301 292, 307, 724, 731, 1093. 'courts indulge presumption waiver.' Aetna Ins. Kennedy, 389, 393, 809, 812, 1177. argument 2, required, problem obviated. point. Leeway remains develop unnecessary while preserving fairness effectiveness seizures probability succeeding Appellants Ellen complaints delinquent receipt notices delinquency institution found. Government Employees Exchange answered $311.25 August 1970, entire sum documents, failed sum. resolve factual find earned excess $10,000 year agreements entered complied Pennsylvania's Code Services Installment Sales Act. allegations restraining requiring forthwith. dissolved, finding 'that representations September 18, incorrect, contained counsel.' (App. 29.) sent several suit. 25—26.)

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