Document: 495 U.S. 552 110 S.Ct. 2126 109 L.Ed.2d 588 PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE, et al., Petitionersv.Edward J. DAVENPORT ux. No. 89-156. Argued Feb. 20, 1990. Decided May 29, Syllabus Respondents pleaded guilty to welfare fraud and were ordered by a Pennsylvania court, as condition of probation, make monthly restitution payments petitioner county probation department for state department. Subsequently, respondents filed petition under Chapter 13 the Bankruptcy Code in Court, listing obligation an unsecured debt. After commenced violation proceeding alleging that had failed comply with order, adversary action Court seeking both declaration was dischargeable debt injunction preventing from undertaking any further efforts collect on obligation. The held 13. District reversed, relying Kelly v. Robinson, 479 36, 107 353, 93 216, which obligations are nondischargeable 7 proceedings because they fall within § 523(a)(7)'s exception discharge is government "fine, penalty, or forfeiture . not compensation actual pecuniary loss." emphasized Court's dicta Congress did intend criminal penalties "debts" Code. court also federalism concerns implicated when federal courts intrude proceedings. Appeals reversed. Held: Code's language structure demonstrate constitute meaning 101(11) therefore Pp. 557-564. (a) Section 101(11)'s definition "debt" "liability claim" reveals Congress' intent meanings "claim" be coextensive. Furthermore, 101(4)(A)'s "right payment" broadly contemplates enforceable debtor, including order. Petitioners' reliance Kelly's discussion emphasizing special purposes punishment rehabilitation underlie imposition misplaced. Unlike 523(a)(7), explicitly ties its application purpose compensation, 104(4)(A) makes no reference objectives State seeks serve imposing That department's enforcement mechanism rather than civil does alter order's character and, indeed, may right greater conferred ordinary obligation, since it secured debtor's freedom his property. 557-560. (b) Other provisions do reflect congressional exempt orders discharge. 362(b)(1), removes prosecutions debtor operation automatic stay provision, inconsistent granting him sanctuary could well have concluded maintaining during bankruptcy essential functioning government, but interest full complete release outweighs society's collecting enforcing outside agreement reached plan. Nor must 726(a)(4)—which effect establishes order settlement claims such plans, assigning low priority claim "for fine, forfeiture"—be construed apply only fines assure governments receive disfavored treatment relative other creditors. construction conflicts holding quoted phrase, used applies obligations. It highlights tension between interpretation 523(a)(7) dictum suggesting "debts." If believed giving rise "claims," would reason except discharge, mere surplusage. Moreover, faithful Code: defined carefully excepted particular debts where policy considerations so warranted. In thus securing broader debtors 7, chose extend Thus, override balance struck crafting appropriate exceptions construe narrowly this context. 560-563. (c) This signal retreat principles applied Kelly. will read erode past practice absent clear indication intended departure. However, where, here, clear, function enforce statute according terms, even means concluding interfere States' administration their justice systems. 563-564. 871 F.2d 421 (CA3 1989), affirmed. MARSHALL, J., delivered opinion REHNQUIST, C.J., BRENNAN, WHITE, STEVENS, SCALIA, KENNEDY, JJ., joined. BLACKMUN, dissenting opinion, O'CONNOR, joined, post, p. 564. Walter W. Cohen petitioners. David A. Searles, Philadelphia, Pa., respondents. Justice MARSHALL Court. 1 50, 361, 216 (1986), imposed conditions actions Code, 11 U.S.C. 701 seq. rested provision protects "a payable benefit governmental unit, 523(a)(7). Because determined declined reach question whether "debt[s]" case, we decide 13, 1301 relied We conclude, based 101(11). hold 2 * September 1986, Edward Debora Davenport sentenced one year's probation. As Davenports department, turn forward Department Public Welfare, victim Davenports' fraud. law mandates obtained through fraud, Pa.Stat.Ann., Tit. 62, 481(c) (Purdon Supp.1989), directs section "forward property made pursuant order," 18 Pa.Cons.Stat. 1106(e) (1988). 3 1987, United States Eastern Pennsylvania. statement, listed Welfare. Soon thereafter, Adult Probation Parole Bucks County (Probation Department) proceeding, informed pending requested withdraw charges until issues settled. refused, 4 While pending, confirmed plan without objection creditor.1 Although notified proceedings, neither nor Welfare proof action. Meanwhile, proceeded motion revoke extended payment period, nonetheless ruled remained effect. 5 subsequently 1328(a). 83 B.R. 309 (ED Pa.1988). On appeal, state-imposed cannot discharged bankruptcy. 89 428 processes, id., at 430, substantially Kelly, supra, U.S., S.Ct., expressed "serious doubts 'debts' " Third Circuit "the plain chapter" demonstrated hence re Johnson-Allen, 421, (1989). 6 To address conflict among Courts issue,2 granted certiorari, 493 808, 49, II Our term guided fundamental canon statutory begins itself. Landreth Timber Co. Landreth, 471 681, 685, 105 2297, 2301, 85 692 (1985). defines claim." See H.R.Rep. 95-595, 310 (1977); S.Rep. 95-989, 23 (1978), U.S.Code Cong. & Admin.News 1978, 5787. crucial our analysis. A payment, reduced judgment, liquidated, unliquidated, fixed, contingent, matured, unmatured, disputed, undisputed, legal, equitable, secured, unsecured." 101(4)(A) (emphasis added). apparent, expansive definitions relevant case. For example, extent phrase modified statute, modifying ("whether .") reflects broad restrictive view class qualify "debt." 309, 6266 (describing "broadest possible" noting "contemplates all legal able dealt case"); accord, 22, 5808. 8 Petitioners maintain stands traditional creditor-debtor relationship offender. support position, petitioners refer underlying 52, 362. emphasize enforced differently considered "rights payment." 9 decided "to reaching conclusion, necessarily found "not Rather, "[b]ecause focus State's interests punishment," "restitution operate 'for of' State" compensation' victim." 53, 363. 10 Contrary petitioners' argument, however, prior characterization bear 101(4)(A). analyzed construing qualifying clauses tie required. But employed define purpose. nothing more less regardless method suggest "claims." can Commonwealth Mourar, 349 Pa.Super. 583, 603, 504 A.2d 197, 208 vacated remanded grounds, 517 Pa. 83, 534 1050 (1987), substantial threat revocation incarceration. Department's Indeed, created some sense Accordingly, regard placing scope III 12 Moving beyond 101, States, appearing amicus petitioners, contends particularly exemption 7's distribution 726, persuaded, whole supports conclusion. 362(a) automatically stays wide array collection against property.3 362(b)(1) exempts commencement continuation debtor." According Senate Report, ensures "[t]he laws haven offenders." 51, 5837. not, debtor. Cf. 362(b)(2) ("collection alimony, maintenance, support" barred stay). Nonetheless, argues anomalous eliminating offenders while them 14 find inconsistency these provisions. bar prosecution alleged offenses. irrational choice permit offenses pendency same time preclude officials relief that, context 15 726 likewise unavailing. settled 7. Subsection 726(a)(4) assigns "any allowed claim, unsecured, forfeiture, damages loss suffered holder forfeiture" should fines, penalties, forfeitures, Otherwise, Federal Governments creditors see 1325(a)(4) (a ensure worse 7), result regards given strength payments. 16 central difficulty 362 (§ "creates penal sanctions"). acknowledges appears unwilling revisit determination "protects [by] codif[ying] judicially fines." Ibid. reject §§ implicitly penalties.4 17 position here 557. stated above, "codifies discharge" fines. Had Given then, exclude orders. Such narrow renders codification judicial cases express deep reluctance interpret render superfluous enactment. See, e.g., Mackey Lanier Collection Agency Service, Inc., 486 825, 837, 108 2182, 2189, 100 836 locating regarding dischargeability took care extending some, all, 523(a)'s Collier ¶ 1328.01[1][c] (15th ed. 1986) ("[T]he chapter represents judgment [it] preferable attempt pay best abilities over three years those hanging heads indefinitely, perhaps rest lives") (footnote omitted). Among arising forfeiture." debtors. IV 19 refusal carve out 47, 359 (citing Midlantic National Bank New Jersey Dept. Environmental Protection, 474 494 (1986)). examined pre-Code identified general statutes remit judgments." 44, 360. conclusion sanctions, Here, hand, plainly certain decision limit applicable 1328(a), adoption 558. 20 conclude lightly Younger Harris, 401 37, 46, 91 746, 751, 27 669 (1971). permitting hamper flexibility judges fashioning sentences require prosecutors participate safeguard interests. Certainly legitimate avoiding intrusions lessened simply offender files animating justify rewriting avoid intrusion. Where, sole terms. V 21 Restitution 22 ordered. whom O'CONNOR joins, dissenting. 24 today concludes part sentence has abrogate long "history deference judgments," 358, there suggestion shield protect crime, I disagree. 25 set forth analysis supra; 494, 106 755, 88 859 (1986). When analyzing course, looks language. warned overly literal '[W]e single member sentence, look law, object policy.' 43, quoting, opinions Heirs Boisdore, How. 113, 122, L.Ed. 1009 (1849). strict control, if "plain" meaning, "will produce demonstrably odds intention drafters." Ron Pair Enterprises, 489 235, 242, 1026, 1031, 103 290 determine drafters' intent, presumes keep continuity enactment 1978. Midlantic, 501, 759. me, language, consistent authority treating sanctions Act 1898, absence legislative history change established principle, strong judgments compel 26 majority appropriately statute. points out, "claim," turn, then becomes alone payment," "at least degree, [is] open interpretation." Pair, 245-246, 1032-1033 asserts "enforceable obligation," gives "character" Ante, 559. accept easy Some ago, Frankfurter pointed out: "The notion words plain, merely pernicious oversimplification." Monia, 317 424, 431, 63 409, 412, 87 376 (1943) (dissenting opinion). observation rings especially true me include resulting common usage, Notably (and history) into sphere. persuasive reasons excluding category argue—not force crime possesses Brief 22. argue enforcement, payment. Id., 27; (1986) (if defendant fails ordered, enforcement), (1987); cf. Bearden Georgia, 461 660, 2064, 76 221 (1983) (state constitutionally failure fine first determining probationer's ability pay). Several agreed Norman, 95 771, 773, n. (Colo.1989) (criminal Code; "debt"); Pellegrino, 42 129, 132 (Conn.1984) (since "crime 'right payment,' 'debt' 101(11)"; Magnifico, 800 (Ariz.1982) contemplated Code); Button, 692, 694 (WDNY 1981) ("From [of 'debt,' '[c]laim,' '[c]reditor'], appear debt"); Kohr, 82 706, 712 (MD Pa.1988); Oslager, 46 58 Pa.1985); Mead, 41 838 (Conn.1984). Courts, sure, Vandrovec, 61 191 (N.D.1986). At least, varied interpretations evidence orders, "subject 361. face, self-defining surely 28 My errs supported fact 'demonstrably drafters.' 244, 1032, quoting Griffin Oceanic Contractors, 458 564, 571, 102 3245, 3250, 73 973 (1982). declared effectuate enacting consider 101 "in light unfettered systems." 358. reflected ch. 541, 30 Stat. 544. discussed length customary monetary 44-45, 358-359. explained new enacted 1978 replace 1898 noted: 29 informs understanding Code." presumed preserve unless specifically indicates otherwise, Act. two categories debts, "allowable" "provable." "Only allowable creditor share bankrupt's assets." Ibid., citing 65(a). Only provable dischargeable. 17. forfeitures owed entities generally allowable, 57(j); provable. 63. scheme, most natural Act, therefore, bankruptcy, though entitled estate." consistently "refused allow affect court." 45, Abramson, 210 F. 878, 880 (CA2 1914) ("[J]udgments proved fixed liability"); Alderson, 98 (W.Va.1899) (the federal-court court). fact, "so widely accepted leading commentator flatly 'fines affected discharge.' 359, 1A 17.13, pp. 1609-1610, (14th 1978). 31 Those addressing "applied reasoning prevent affecting sentence." 359. result, existed "established sentences, orders." Zwick Freeman, 373 110, 116 1967) ("[G]overnmental regarded payments"). dischargeable, "provable," terms tended merge practice. Collier, 17.05, 1587 (pre-Code "[f]ines [for 63], dischargeable" (footnotes 32 provable, functional "reflected great longevity importance," is, 'a conviction invalidate results proceedings.' 245, 33 face longstanding concept Midlantic: normal rule intends legislation concept, specific." There drastically sanctions. one, "nothing provisions] compels respect 12, 12; (despite dissent labeled "absolute terms," 509, 763, refused abrogated limitation abandonment powers). "[i]n law—that 101(4)." radical change, spoken clearly. my view, attitude towards clearly indicated statement 342 (1977), 6299 (discussing provisions). 34 brushes aside outlined Court—a stressed "particular codifications." 759 insists "clear depart 563 "clear" "adoption 'broadest possible' 'debt.' 546. And am puzzled majority's previously rejected expressly. (although broadened, sections judgments"). seems likely redress problems "provable" impossible resolve liabilities Of concern contingent unliquidated "nonprovable" Act: 35 "[U]nder liquidation chapters permitted estate non-provable nature claims, claims. incomplete, opportunity case proposed affairs bankrupt fresh start." 180, 6141 36 itself approach. includes "unliquidated," "contingent," "unmatured," "disputed," 101(4)(A), modifier way suggests incorporation 37 assertion evidences indication" rulings similarly unconvincing. Under loss, tax penalty." need discharge; says, debts. 562-563. Again, little Even interpreted making mean practice, nondischargeability all. gave break conception 38 addition, XIII essentially adopted VII policy, excepting who 60 parallel far demonstrating carryover VII's "If intended, provision," 'we been hearings, testimony, debate concerning consequences wasteful, inimical deemed important, arouse public outrage.' 362, Powell, dissenting, TVA Hill, 437 153, 209, 2279, 2309, 57 117 (1978). 39 believe cavalierly disregarded overwhelmingly important administering systems free interference judge. Every Columbia presently authorize use note, Criminal Limited Opportunity, Eng. Crim. Civ. Confinement 243-244, (1987). intrusion sovereign power. vacates presumably entered accord substantive procedural Constitution. seriously doubt "Congress rehabilitative deterrent options available judges." 360-361. 40 adverse sentencing process. legislators effective form tempered knowledge convicted criminals easily requiring obtaining Sentencing faced dilemma. judge either risk undermine absolving punishment, impose harsher imprisonment, unable undermine. extraordinary consequences. turns around. compelling concern, terming "one powerful influence considering equitable types relief," recognized "must concerned "federal remission choosing combination goals clear. encroach deeply upon contrary, requires refuse become trying meted state-court dissent. fulfilled received provides: "As soon practicable after completion plan, approves written waiver executed chapter, shall grant provided disallowed 502 title." contains parties agree Compare, Pa.1988) (restitution Code), Cullens, 77 828 (Colo.1987) "debts"). various specified extinguish Norton, Law Practice 20.04-20.36 (1986 Supp.1989). event, Government's contention favor criminal, opposed civil, unsubstantiated. about wisdom choice, unsupported textual inadequate basis rejecting statute's 557-558.

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