Document: 390 U.S. 29 88 S.Ct. 824 19 L.Ed.2d 808 William EPTONv.NEW YORK (two cases). Nos. 502, Misc., and 771, Misc. Supreme Court of the United States October Term, 1967. January 22, 1968 Rehearing Denied March 4, 1968. See 976, 1057, 1061. Eleanor Jackson Piel, for Epton. Frank S. Hogan, H. Richard Uviller Michael Juviler, New York. On Petition Writ Certiorari to Appeals york. PER CURIAM. 1 The petition a writ certiorari is denied in No. motion dismiss granted appeal dismissed want substantial federal question. 2 Mr. Justice STEWART, concurring denial dismissal appeal. 3 I join related but only because Epton has been sentenced serve three concurrent one-year terms: one conspiring riot, York Penal Law (1944 1966 Cum.Supp.), §§ 580, 2090; advocating criminal anarchy, 160, 161; engage such advocacy, 161. think riot conviction presents no question,* since sentences were ordered run concurrently, conclude that these cases do not require consider either anarchy or associated conspiracy conviction. Kiyoshi Hirabayashi v. States, 320 81, 85, 63 1375, 87 L.Ed. 1774; Lanza State York, 370 139, 82 1218, 8 384. If constitutionality York's laws properly presented, however, would vote grant note probable jurisdiction appeal, reconsider Court's decision Gitlow People 268 652, 45 625, 69 1138, decide whether statutes, on their face as applied cases, violate First Fourteenth Amendments. 4 DOUGLAS, dissenting. 5 hear argument am opinion all questions including those under first count indictment present questions. 6 In count, alleged commission 15 overt acts by furtherance riot. consisted part speeches made his participation preparation distribution certain leaflets. Such activities, course, are normally given protection Amendment with exceptions now necessary state. Yates 354 98, 77 1064, 1356; Dennis 341 494, 71 857, 95 1137; Terminiello City Chicago, 337 1, 894, 93 1131; Thomas Collins, 323 516, 65 315, 89 430; Bridges California, 314 252, 62 190, 86 192; 672, 1138 (dissenting opinion); Abrams 250 616, 624, 40 17, 1173 Schenck 249 47, 39 247, 470; Chaplinksy Hampshire, 315 568, 766, 1031; Feiner 340 329, 303, 267 opinion). 7 Under law, requires both an agreement commit unlawful act at least agreement.1 Whether required convict defendant must be shown constitutionally unprotected important An can course used demonstrate existence conspiracy, draw reasonable inferences intent conspirator. Although indicated requirement treason clause ensures 'thoughts attitudes alone cannot make treason' (Cramer 325 29, 918, 1441), it never decided activities protected constitute purposes treason. matter was adverted Cramer States: 9 'Thus crime consists two elements: adherence enemy; rendering him aid comfort. A citizen intellectually emotionally may favor enemy harbor sympathies convictions disloyal this country's policy interest, so long he commits comfort enemy, there other hand, take actions which enemy—making speech critical government opposing its measures, profiteering, striking defense plants essential work, hundred things impair our cohesion diminish strength—but if this, betray, treason.' (Italics added.) Id., S.Ct., 932. 10 same case, four dissenters noted that: 11 'It plain * designed preclude punishment treasonable plans schemes hopes have moved out realm thought speech.' 61, 947. 12 lower courts considered question few most exhaustive treatment probably being found Chandler 171 F.2d 921 (C.A. 1st Cir. 1948). Treason, charge here. Yet use provide might well stifle dissent cool fervor whom society does agree moment. Society, like ill person, often pretends tries hide sickness. From perspective, freedoms safeguard from own folly. As exercise within Amendment, presented should permit stand, when they turn exercise. 13 issue, then, Epton's leaflets charge, without unprotected. 14 298, 1356, construed conspiracies. But separate written my Brother BLACK, joined, saying part: 'The charged against defendants went public assembly where took lawful discussion questions, neither nor anyone else advocated suggested overthrow Government.' 343, 1089. 16 majority some lengths protecting freedoms. There advocacy heart held 'advocacy' ingredient 'must action merely abstract doctrine,' id., 325, 1080. reversed instructions jury did delineate line distinction. While attending meeting could act, 334, 1085, hold between rights exceeded limits carefully drawn jury. trial court qualifications whatsoever permissible range publications acts. instruction determine particular publication protected. principle therefore disregarded.2 17 Since opinion, none free doubt basis applying rule occasion review judgment another valid concurrent. 146, 152, 384 (separate BRENNAN); Whitfield Ohio, 297 431, 438, 56 532, 80 778. Like believe advocate reviewed statutes here pass beyond pale constitutionality. Keyishian Board Regents, 385 589, 675, 629; 1138. Accordingly, set oral argument. It true relied upon establish arguable man demonstrating agreement. proof had actively participated formation group dedicated armed revolt police direction 'block captains' assistance 'terrorist bands,' equipped Molotov cocktails himself explained how use. context record, serious claim constitutional protection. N.Y.Penal Law, 105.00-105.20 (1967). At time trial, law essentially 583 (1966 Cum. Supp.). My STEWART agrees 'it fur- therance agreement.' dismisses contention case because, view, record demonstrates Perhaps means although protected, others not. latter doubtless true. drew discriminating line; far we know rested whole Because rendered general verdict one, impossible activity employed circumstances, precedents indicate proper procedure aside any submitted Haupt 330 631, n. 67 874, 91 1145. Cf. 311-312, 36, 45, 1441; Stromberg 283 359, 367-368, 51 75 1117. Moreover, approach taken hearkens back view 512-513, 1137, 'clear danger' law. ruled facts substantive crime, determine. dissented ground established 'question clear danger, issue submission jury.' 587, 906. And, already noted, showed greater solicitude toward role sensitive area than today. To consistent Yates, instructed points difference acquittal.

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