Document: 338 U.S. 68 69 S.Ct. 1354 93 L.Ed. 1815 HARRISv.STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA. No. 76. Argued Nov. 16, 1948. Decided June 27, 1949. Messrs. Julian B. Salley, Jr., Leonard A. Williamson, Aiken, S.C., for petitioner. Mr. D. Carter, Bamberg, respondent. Justice FRANKFURTER announced the judgment of Court and an opinion in which MURPHY RUTLEDGE join. 1 On Sunday morning, April 28, 1946, Edward L. Bennett his wife were killed their store Aiken County, South Carolina. Bennett's last words were, 'A big negro shot me robbed me.' Petitioner, Harris, age twenty-five, a slightly built Negro, was subsequently indicted General Sessions County found guilty murder Bennetts. The jury's verdict required imposition death sentence. Supreme Carolina denied claim that confession introduced at trial obtained under circumstances precluded its admission Due Process Clause sustained conviction, 212 S.C. 124, 46 S.E.2d 682, 692, by 3—2 vote, two judges dissenting on ground facts show 'was not freely voluntarily made.' We brought case here to consider validity this claim. 334 837, 1490, 92 1762. 2 When disputed testimony is resolved favor State, following emerge: 3 police spent half months fruitless investigation murders. Many suspects had been held interrogation then released. Suspicion finally directed toward petitioner reports he possessed pistol left Nashville, Tennessee, soon after Sheriff warrant ostensibly purpose arresting theft aunt's but actually secure return from Nashville. He taken into custody there Friday, July 12, 1946. No read him informed charge against him. back lodged jail afternoon about four o'clock. first learned suspected Monday afternoon. accusation. At time briefly interrogated sheriff jailer. 4 night questioning began earnest. least five officers worked relays, relieving each other permit respite stifling heat cubicle conducted. Throughout evening Tuesday continued same conditions 1:30 until past one morning with only hour's interval 5:30. Wednesday Chief State Constabulary, dozen men, questioned hour, local authorities carried three hours longer. 6:30 examination resumed. Petitioner deny implication killings. threatened arrest petitioner's mother handling stolen property. replied, 'Don't get my mixed up it I will tell you truth.' stated substance what appears trial. session ended midnight. 5 rights law, such as right lawyer, request preliminary hearing, or remain silent. hearing ever given does even contain usual statement told said might be used During whole period d nied benefit consultation family friends surrounded many members dominant group positions authority. It relevant note Harris illiterate. 6 judge jury without no evidence would support conviction instructed them they could if have 'voluntary.' Upon appeal, highest court made conscientious effort measure surrounding confessions we product undue pressure. concluded so tainted. are constrained disagree. systematic persistence interrogation, length periods questioning, failure advise rights, absence disinterested persons, character defendant constitute complex invokes considerations compelled our decisions Watts v. Indiana, 49, 1347, Turner Commonwealth Pennsylvania, 62, 1352. accordingly reversed. 7 Reversed. 8 BLACK concurs authority Chambers Florida, 309 227, 60 472, 84 716; Ashcraft 322 143, 64 921, 88 1192. 9 For JACKSON, see S.ct. 1357. 10 record before us view consideration state courts conclusion reached, THE CHIEF JUSTICE, REED BURTON believe should affirmed. 11 DOUGLAS (concurring). 12 undisputed concerning follows: 13 A storekeeper killing seemed similar crimes committed community constituted crime wave. Local feeling running high sheriff's office anxious find solution. Numerous persons interrogated. Nearly later suspicion fell petitioner, because became known shortly occurred. secured allegedly possessing pistol. Nashville notified wanted, picked placed Friday. next delivered officers. arrest, nor having charged now stands convicted. While handcuffed, driven late being magistrate. That Sunday. murder. short time. guilt. more extended night. day, Tuesday, vigor increased. again around during incidents guilt, implicating another negro, who guilt when confronted also laid hand Sharp issue nature act. contends struck force. officer testified merely shoulder malice did certain statements made. 14 begun again. still broke. alone arrested offered make eventually confession, removed penitentiary protection. 15 These interrogations small room eight feet beleven. Small groups different conducted these interrogations, went days nights. But counsel access friends. 16 This illustration use accused wring literate illiterate alike shand condemned. See Haley Ohio, 332 596, 302, 224.

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