Document: 445 U.S. 480 100 S.Ct. 1254 63 L.Ed.2d 552 Joseph VITEK, etc., et al., Applicants,v.Larry D. JONES. No. 78-1155. Argued Dec. 3, 1979. Decided March 25, 1980. Syllabus Appellee, a convicted felon, was transferred from state prison to mental hospital pursuant Nebraska statute (§ 83-180(1)) which provides that if designated physician or psychologist finds prisoner "suffers disease defect" "cannot be given proper treatment" in prison, the Director of Correctional Services may transfer hospital. In an action challenging constitutionality § 83-180(1) on procedural due process grounds, District Court declared unconstitutional as applied appellee, holding transferring him without adequate notice and opportunity for hearing deprived liberty law contrary Fourteenth Amendment, such transfers must accompanied by notice, adversary before independent decisionmaker, written statement factfinder evidence relied reasons decision, availability appointed counsel indigent prisoners. The court permanently enjoined State appellee (who meanwhile had been back prison) following prescribed procedures. Subsequently, paroled condition he accept treatment, but violated parole returned prison. Relying appellee's history illness State's representation serious threat his own others' safety, held revocation thereof did not render case moot because still subject being Held : judgment is affirmed modified. Pp. 486-497; 497-500. Affirmed Mr. Justice WHITE delivered opinion with respect Parts I, II, III, IV-A, V, concluding that: 1 1. properly found moot. reality controversy between has lessened cancellation return where protected further Court's injunction. Under these circumstances, it "absolutely clear," absent injunction, alleged wrongful behavior could reasonably expected recur. 486-487. 2 2. involuntary implicates interest Due Process Clause Amendment. 487-494. 3 (a) identified rooted 83-180(1), under expect would finding suffering secure treatment reliance determining whether conditions warranting exist neither removes prisoner's protection nor answers question what Constitution. 488-491. 4 (b) also correct that, independently appropriate protections. Involuntary commitment within range confinement sentence subjects individual. While conviction extinguish individual's right freedom term sentence, they do authorize classify mentally ill psychiatric affording additional Here, stigmatizing consequences coupled subjection mandatory modification illness, constitute kind deprivations requires 491-494. 5 3. weighed relevant factors arriving at its judgment. 495-496. 6 Although segregating treating patients strong, arbitrarily classified subjected unwelcome powerful, risk error making determinations required substantial enough warrant safeguards against error. P. 495. 7 medical nature inquiry does justify dispensing requirements. 8 (c) Because prisoners facing are threatened immediate deprivation interests mistaken transfer, determined certain protections, including hearing, were circumstances present this case. 9 WHITE, joined BRENNAN, MARSHALL, STEVENS, concluded Part IV-B provided whom seeks treat ill. Such even greater need legal assistance than who illiterate uneducated, more likely unable understand exercise rights. 496-497. 10 POWELL although free appoint licensed attorney represent hospital, constitutionally so, will satisfied so long qualified assistance. 11 Melvin Kent Kammerlohr, Asst. Atty. Gen. Neb., Lincoln, appellants. 12 Thomas A. Wurtz, Omaha, appellee. 13 Court, except IV-B. 14 Amendment entitles incarcerated rotections, provision counsel, involuntarily defect. 15 * Rev.Stat. 83-176(2) (1976) authorizes designate any available, suitable, residence facility institution place one another. Section however, when facility," director examination, study, another Department Services.1 Any if, prior expiration no longer necessary. Upon f desires retain civil proceedings promptly commenced. 83-180(3).2 16 On May 31, 1974, Jones robbery sentenced three nine years He penitentiary January 1975. Two days later placed solitary confinement, set mattress fire, burning himself severely. treated burn unit private release based findings 83-180 defect receive penal complex, security Lincoln Regional Center, jurisdiction Public Institutions. 17 then intervened case, brought other officials (the State) grounds adequacy procedures statutes permit complex hospital.3 August 17, 1976, three-judge convened 28 U.S.C. 2281 (1970 ed.),4 denied motion summary trial ensued. September 12, 1977, Jones, Miller v. Vitek, 437 F.Supp. 569 (D.C.Neb.1977). Counsel requested suggest relief. 18 response request, revealed 27, Center ward prayed injunction Center. conceded should enter firm belief section unconstitutional. entered declaring enjoining 19 We noted probable 434 1060, 98 1230, 55 760 (1978). Meanwhile, paroled, only Veterans' Administration Hospital. vacated remanded consideration mootness. Vitek 436 407, 2276, 56 381 Both juncture insisted represented "Jones' indicates well others . there very real expectation" again removed. App. Juris. Statement 24. receiving continuing suffer previous determination representations, "is fact 83-180." Ibid. reinstated original postponed merits. 441 922, 99 2029, 60 395 (1979). parole, revoked, reincarcerated complex. II 20 agree parties live exists treated. treatment. our remand consider mootness, relying Jones' safety others, see reason disagree assessment time, outstanding Court. State, believing moot, wants removed reversal hand, insists sustained accordance specified procedures, retained. 21 Against background, "that allegedly recur." United States Phosphate Export Assn., 393 199, 203, 89 361, 364, 344 (1968); County Los Angeles Davis, 440 625, 631, 1379, 1383, 59 642 (1979); W. T. Grant Co., 345 629, 633, 73 894, 897, 97 L.Ed. 1303 (1953).5 Furthermore, matter now stands, suffered infirm Vacating vacate declaration employed afforded inadequate basis posture III 22 merits, threshold Clause. offered two related conclusion. first correctional facility. Second, convinced characterizing patient "some stigmatizing" which, together constituted major change amounting "grievous loss" imposed hearing. both respects. 23 have repeatedly create entitled protections There "constitutional inherent right" Greenholtz Penal Inmates, 442 1, 7, 2100, 2103, 668 (1979), once grants conditional dependent observance special restrictions, attach decision revoke parole. Morrissey Brewer, 408 471, 92 2593, 33 484 (1972). same true probation. Gagnon Scarpelli, 411 778, 93 1756, 36 656 (1973). Wolff McDonnell, 418 539, 94 2963, 41 935 (1974), we state-created good-time credits, forfeited misbehavior, reasoning extension impose "solitary" "[it] represents normally claimed proved act misconduct." Id., 571-572, n. 19, S.Ct., 2982, 19. Once granted interest, necessary "to insure abrogated." 557, 2975. 24 Meachum Fano, 427 215, 96 2532, 49 451 (1976), Montanye Haymes, 236, 2543, 466 infringe interest. But those cases discretionary authorities, possess justifiable expectation misbehavior upon occurrence events. Hence, "the predicate invoking construed McDonnell [was] totally nonexistent." supra, U.S., 226-227, 2540. 25 Following Fano continued recognize grant invoke disciplinary administrative reasons. Enomoto Wright, 1052, 1223, 756 (1978), summarily aff'g 462 397 (ND Cal.1976). Similarly petitioners sufficient expectancy entitle them some measure constitutional decisions. 26 think understood practice cannot adequately This "objective expectation, firmly fixed official practice," unless gave benefits connection warranted cases, conclusion unexceptionable. 27 Appellants maintain completely made protections.6 pris oner adverse taken behavior, occurred becomes critical, minimum requirements observed." 558, 2976. These federal law, diminished deem preconditions action. Morrissey, Gagnon, Wolff, adopted their probation, credits occurred; yet inadequate. like manner, Nebraska's B issue after robbery, retained residuum infringed complying process. 29 recognized ordinary citizen, produces "a massive curtailment liberty," Humphrey Cady, 405 504, 509, 1048, 31 394 (1972), consequence "requires protection." Addington Texas, 418, 425, 1804, 1809, 323 O'Connor Donaldson, 422 563, 580, 95 2486, 2496, 45 396 (1975) (BURGER, C. J., concurring). loss produced confinement. It indisputable "can engender social individual" "[w]hether label phenomena 'stigma' choose call something else can occur significant impact individual." 425-426, 1809. See Parham J. R., 584, 600, 2493, 2503, 61 101 Also, "[a]mong historic liberties" "right from, obtain judicial relief for, unjustified intrusions personal security." Ingraham 430 651, 673, 1401, 1413, 51 711 (1977). Compelled form programs, exposed factor Cf. 427, 1810. 30 findings, sensitive concerns: "[T]he limitations consequences, systems used combine make 'major confinement' 'grievous loss' inmate." F.Supp., 573. 32 Were citizen undeniable unconstitutionally compliance conclude felon benefit Undoubtedly, valid criminal defendant's 2103. sufficiently empower confine prisons." 224, 2538 (emphasis deleted). changes having alone "[a]s degree him." 242, 2547. 34 justified imposition least certification person suffers agree. None decisions holds crime determine institutional care visited qualitatively different punishment characteristically crime. Our much reflect understanding Baxstrom Herold, 383 107, 86 760, 620 (1966); Specht Patterson, 386 605, 87 1209, 326 (1967); (1972); Jackson Indiana, 406 715, 724-725, 1845, 1851, 435 A imprisonment 35 light 83-180, purpose implicated Many restrictions themselves might prisoner, 572, 19; cf. Baxter Palmigiano, 425 308, 323, 1551, 1560, 47 810 (1976). here, IV afford identified, observe hospital: 37 "A. Written considered; 38 "B. prepare, disclosure heard documentary given; 39 "C. An testimony witnesses defense confront cross-examine called state, finding, made, good cause permitting presentation, confrontation, cross-examination; 40 "D. decisionmaker; "E. inmate; 42 "F. Availability furnished inmate financially furnish own; 43 "G. Effective timely all foregoing rights." 575. 44 Concededly strong. however; found, involved involves essentially medical. individual "turns meaning facts interpreted expert psychiatrists psychologists." 429, 1811. inquiry, precisely "[t]he subtleties nuances diagnoses" requirement hearings. 430, 46 currently enjoying similar here. recognizes essential challenge contemplated happening him. 564, 2978. view accompany each elements appropriate. avoiding disruption limiting witnesses, cross examine. avoided unnecessary intrusion into either judgments providing decisionmaker conducting come outside administration. 574. B* 48 go beyond available inmates hearings own. automatic appointment liberty, 790, 1763; 569-570, 2981; uneducated exercising 786-787, 1761-1762; 570, 2981. thought requiring probably assistance, V POWELL, while competent help require aid him, below modified conform separate filed POWELL. 50 So ordered. concurring part. 52 I join insofar agree, demands provided.1 53 (1973), my necessarily probation reaching effects probationer derived counsel. "The introduction proceeding [would] alter significantly proceeding," id., 787, 1762, inevitably become adversary. probationers always most undisputed. lieu per se rule necessity case-by-case basis. particular, stressed governing provide include (i) existence factual disputes issues "complex otherwise difficult develop present," (ii) "whether appears capable speaking effectively himself." 791, 1764. 54 Consideration factors, particularly capability inmate, persuades me essence health inmate. resolution less important ability analyze often expressed language relatively incomprehensible laymen. unlikely hospitals competence training protect state-initiated proceedings. And imprisoned normal access assist places handicap inmate's himself. therefore believe, supplied attorney. "[D]ue flexible calls particular situation demands." 481, 2600, Mathews Eldridge, 424 319, 334-335, 893, 902-903, defining qualifications impartial demonstrate turn made. "Due never neutral detached trier trained officer." 607, 2506, staff determines child voluntarily committed parents. That recognition "are nature," " 'neither judges officers better judgments.' 609, 2507, quoting re Roger S., Cal.3d 921, 942, 141 Cal.Rptr. 298, 311, P.2d 1286, 1299 (1977) (Clark, dissenting). 489, 2604; Goldberg Kelly, 254, 271, 90 1011, 1022, 287 (1970). view, principle law-trained supports ancillary adviser lawyer. As here Neb.Rev. tat. allows non-lawyer proceeding. Ante, 496.2 57 fair fairness informal designed participation lawyers. merely psychiatrist professional. Indeed, possessing professional preferred. notes, 'turns psychologists.' 495, 1811, exclude, possibility rendered laymen cases. independent, solely best 58 sum, so. STEWART, THE CHIEF JUSTICE REHNQUIST join, dissenting. seems clear Accordingly, directions dismiss complaint. Munsingwear, Inc., 340 36, 71 104, 36. points out, class action, Complex anticipated date 1982. ante, 485-487, ante. status, simply thousands prisoners, standing attack Neb.Rev.Stat. sole mere someday invoked institution. 62 accord demonstrated probability ever happen again. Weinstein Bradford, 423 147, 347, 350. falls ambit "capable repetition, evading review" exception established principles Southern Pacific Terminal Co. ICC, 219 498, 279, 310; Super Tire Engineering McCorkle, 416 115, 1694, If statute, ample time reach merits claim. 'To adjudicate uniformly declined entertain.' Brownlow Schwartz, 261 216, 217-218 [43 263, page 264, 67 620]." Oil Workers Missouri, 361 363, 371, 80 391, 396, 373. 64 BLACKMUN, 65 STEWART us. write separately express 66 harm birth lawsuit attending asserted injury disappeared, latest, parole.1 Preiser Newkirk, 395, 2330, 272 (1975). Appellee custody, reincarceration, problems, life. Given facts, mootness ripeness. At most, otherwise, presenting "mixed question" ripeness hinging challenged confronted mixed questions review," see, e. g., Press Assn. Stuart, 2791, 683 Sosna Iowa, 419 393, 553, 532 (1975), concerning cessation conduct during pendency litigation, Walling Helmerich & Payne, 37, 43, 11, 14, (1944). contexts, lowered preclude manipulation passage frustrating review. correctly observes, apparently concedes, repetition" doctrine apply Neither liberal "voluntary cessation" since current affairs way product appellants' voluntary discontinuation conduct.2 Certainly result effort part appellants avoid review Thus, mootness/ripeness rules inapplicable, presents nothing plain, old-fashioned ripeness.3 68 lay down mechanistic test dispute ripe adjudication. past formulations rigorous applies. observed "[p]ast exposure illegal itself show controversy," O'Shea Littleton, 414 488, 669, 676, 674 "general assertions inferences" recur ripe. 497, 676. "A hypothetical enough." Mitchell, 330 75, 90, 556, 91 754 (1947). "actual immediately resulting unlawful governmental action." Laird Tatum, 15, 2318, 2326, 154 Linda R. S. Richard D., 410 614, 617, 1146, 1148, 536 (1973) (requiring actual injury"); Massachusetts Mellon, 262 447, 597, 601, 1078 (1923) litigant "has danger sustaining direct injury"). "substantial controversy, interests, immediacy reality" required. Golden Zwickler, 103, 108, 956, 959-960, 113 (1969), Maryland Casualty Coal 312 270, 273, 510, 512, 85 826 (1941). 69 Applying principles, difficulty perceiving existing "case controversy" Since remand, indicated general necessary.4 They intent desire provisions. Nor suggested diagnosis five ago. "fresh" evaluation lifted. "does reside Complex, accepting treatment." Brief 11-12. brief containing six months ago 70 appears, assimilated population, appellants, content leave is.5 seek send "takes us area speculation conjecture." Longshoremen Boyd, 347 222, 74 650 (1954). provides: "When department physical defect, chief executive officer order segregated persons facility, arrange medical-correctional Institutions available. shall remain custody when, necessary." 83-180(3) find about released discharged discharge endanger public offender, to, already transferred, in, commence applicable detention defect." After initially certifying decertified class, permitted intervention plaintiffs, Jones. subsequently dismissed claims plaintiffs authorizing convening court, ed.), repealed Pub.L.94-381, Stat. 1119, effective actions commenced 1976. instant November 1975, convened. completed serving remains challenges, unlike plaintiff 350 likelihood whatsoever challenged. majority Justices rejected identical position Arnett Kennedy, 134, 166-167, 1633, 1650-1651, (1974) (opinion J.), 177-178, 1655-1656 210-211, 1671-1672 DOUGLAS JJ.). POWELL's observed: plurality evidently employment defined limited statutory guarantee accords arbitrary erroneous expressly statute. thus property extent approach incompatible laid [Board Regents v.] Roth [, 2701, 548 (1972)] [Perry Sindermann 593, 2694, 570 (1972)]. lead directly whatever statutorily created accomplished time. misconceives origin conferred, legislative grace, guarantee. legislature elect confer employment, safeguards. consistently recognized, analyzed terms. 254 [90 287] (1970); Bell Burson, 402 535 [91 1586, 90] (1971); Board Roth, supra [408 (1972)]; Perry Sindermann, (1972)]." 1650-1651. STEVENS. faces Doran Salem Inn, 930-932, 2561, 2567-2568, 648 (1975); Steffel Thompson, 415 452, 458-460, 1215-16, 505 (1974); Doe Bolton, 179, 188, 739, 745, 201 institution, thereafter continue When advises "history others," "there transfer. stake. Seatrain Shipbuilding Corp. Shell 444 581-583, 800, 806-807, (1980). specifically required, administration." 569, 574 (Neb.1977) (three-judge court). appear share view. states Hospital, "insisted will." 486. adds "paroled, accepts identify precise import inference meant case—even parole—might pursued theory feel rights in-patient suggestion. First, premise faulty. find, clearly record, board's offer acceptance chose Moreover, elected housed surprising nonmootness appellee—notwithstanding conditioned "under "continuing injury" incorrect law. evince seeking initial predictably led removal words, show, case-or-controversy requirement, personally tangible court's intervention." Warth Seldin, 490, 508, 2197, 2210, 343 support vacating remove "afforded ill." 487. statement, means imply suit somehow mootness-proof stigma sweeping proposition. "collateral consequences" Sibron New York, 392 40, 88 1889, 917 (1968), saves validity served logic —focusing remediable collateral use enhance crime, impeach credibility witness—comfortably extend claim former patient. 55, 1898 (referring "adverse consequences"). award Parole Board, views nowhere relies explain cited application "creampuff" standard, (1953), pivoted presence cessation." unclear deems (without explaining why) "no reasonable recurrence" standard—to litmus carefully confined policy-tailored principled rule—applicable amorphous cluster parties' artful dodging well-founded litigation. event, analysis invites criticism, increasingly voiced, concealed underlying claim." Tushnet, Law Standing: Plea Abandonment, Cornell L.Rev. 663 Appellants, sure, announced intention fact, small, any, significance, hardly hear say plan abide laws. 91, 565, (1947) ("the regulations" ripe). Poe Ullman, 367 81 1752, 989 (1961) (desuetude statute). far says "simply prisoners." 501. For purposes differs fellow respects: recent perceived previously statutes. 496, 676 ("Of course, wrongs bearing repeated

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