Document: 416 U.S. 312 94 S.Ct. 1704. 40 L.Ed.2d 164 Marco DeFUNIS et al., Petitioners,v.Charles ODEGAARD, President of the University Washington. No. 73—235. Argued Feb. 26, 1974. Decided April 23, Josef Diamond, Seattle, Wash., for petitioners. Slade Gorton, Atty. Gen., respondents. [Amicus Curiae Information from pages 313-314 intentionally omitted] PER CURIAM. 1 In 1971 petitioner DeFunis, Jr.,1 applied admission as a first-year student at Washington Law School, state-operated institution. The size incoming class was to be limited 150 persons, and School received some 1,600 applications these places. DeFunis eventually notified that he had been denied admission. He thereupon commenced this suit in trial court, contending procedures criteria employed by Admissions Committee invidiously discriminated against him on account his race violation Equal Protection Clause Fourteenth Amendment United States Constitution. 2 brought behalf himself alone, not representative any class, various respondents, who are officers, faculty members, members Board Regents asked court issue mandatory injunction commanding respondents admit member entering September 1971, ground admissions policy resulted unconstitutional denial application agreed with claim granted requested relief. was, accordingly, admitted began legal studies there fall 1971. On appeal, Supreme Court reversed judgment held did violate By time second year School. 3 then petitioned writ certiorari, Mr. Justice Douglas, Circuit Justice, stayed pending 'final disposition case Court.' virtue stay, has remained law school, first term third final when considered certiorari petition 1973. Because our concern DeFunis' third-year standing might have rendered moot, we parties brief question mootness before acted petition. response, both sides contended moot. indicated that, if decision were permitted stand, could complete which enrolled but would apply permission continue school register another term.2 4 We November 19, 414 1038, 538, 38 329. due course orally argued February 5 response questions raised bench during oral argument, counsel informed now registered 'for quarter school.' Counsel made clear will way seek abrogate registration.3 light recent registration last year, School's assurance is fully effective, insistent again arises whether turn. 6 starting point analysis familiar proposition 'federal courts without power decide cannot affect rights litigants them.' North Carolina v. Rice, 404 244, 246, 92 402, 404, 30 413 (1971). inability federal judiciary 'to review moot cases derives requirement Art. III Constitution under exercise judicial depends upon existence or controversy.' Liner Jafco, Inc., 375 301, 306 n. 3, 84 391, 394, 11 347 (1964); see also Powell McCormack, 395 486, 496 7, 89 1944, 1950, 23 491 (1969); Sibron New York, 392 40, 50 8, 88 1889, 1896, 20 917 (1968). Although matter state it appears saved 'the great public interest continuing issues appeal,' 82 Wash.2d 11, 6, 507 P.2d 1169, 1177 (1973), fact remains '(e)ven arising courts, one must resolve assumes jurisdiction.' supra, U.S., S.Ct., 404. 7 represented regard ultimate resolution case, remain duration already enrolled. Since term, evident given an opportunity all academic other requirements graduation, and, does so, receive diploma regardless reach merits case. short, agree entitled degree A determination tendered no longer necessary compel result, serve prevent it. cast action, only remedy accorded remedy, irrevocably course. controversy between thus clearly ceased 'definite concrete' 'touch(es) relations having adverse interests.' Aetna Life Ins. Co. Haworth, 300 227, 240—241, 57 461, 464, 81 L.Ed. 617 (1937). 8 It matters circumstances partially stem part respondent authorities. through their counsel, Attorney General State, professionally event status affected view express controversy. And settled practice Court, contexts less significant, accept representations such parameters decision. See Gerende Election Board, 341 56, 71 565, 95 745 (1951); Whitehill Elkins, 389 54, 57—58, 184, 185—186, 19 228 (1967); Ehlert States, 402 99, 107, 91 1319, 1324, 28 625 (1971); cf. Students Civil Rights Research Council Wadmond, 401 154, 162—163, 720, 726—727, 27 749 9 There line decisions 'voluntary cessation allegedly illegal conduct deprive tribunal hear determine i.e., make moot.' W. T. Grant Co., 345 629, 632, 73 894, 897, 97 1303 (1953); Trans-Missouri Freight Assn., 166 290, 308—310, 17 540, 546—547, 41 1007 (1897); Walling Helmerich & Payne, 323 37, 43, 65 14, 29 (1944); Gray Sanders, 372 368, 376, 83 801, 806, 821 (1963); Phosphate Export 393 199, 202—203, 361, 363 364, 21 344 These doctrine they reflect quite relevant here arisen reason unilateral change For target litigation, voluntary practices complained said 'that 'there reasonable expectation wrong repeated." 633, 897. Otherwise, '(t)he defendant free return old ways,' id., enough because 'public legality settled.' Ibid. But present cessation' subject litigation. depends, instead, simple study, unchallenged permit 10 suggested presents 'capable repetition, yet evading review,' Southern Pacific Terminal ICC, 219 498, 515, 31 279, 283, 55 310 (1911); Roe Wade, 410 113, 125, 93 705, 713, 35 147 amenable adjudication even though otherwise never required run gantlet process, so certainly repetition' far concerned. Moreover, just particular until eve petitioner's graduation hardly follows raises future evade review. If unchanged,4 suppose subsequent attacking those come relative speed spoken. This therefore, exceptional situation departure usual rule . actual exist stages appellate review, simply date action initiated.' 712; Munsingwear, 340 36, 104, 36 (1950). end conclude cannot, consistently limitations Constitution, consider substantive constitutional parties.5 Accordingly, vacated, cause remanded proceedings may deemed appropriate. 12 ordered. 13 Vacated remanded. 14 DOUGLAS, dissenting. 15 I BRENNAN significance think important merits. 16 * 1,601 its beginning spaces available about students, order enroll number offered 275 applicants. All applicants put into two groups, minority program. Thirty-seven optional 'dominant' ethnic origin either black, Chicano, American Indian, Filipino, four groups included Answers apparently sole basis eligibility program determined. Eighteen 37 actually general, process proceeded follows: An index called Predicted First Year Average (Average) calculated each applicant formula combining applicant's score Admission Test (LSAT) grades years college.1 experience previous years' applications, Committee, consisting faculty, administration, concluded most outstanding averages above 77; highest average 81. Applicants 77 arrived random distribution files read them report recommendations back Committee. As result three meetings February, March, 78 group admitted, although virtually early.2 conclusion August including 78, 105 78. 18 Also early culling out below 74.5. reviewed Chairman authority reject summarily further consideration rest small information file indicating greater promise than Average. Finally months accumulated 74.5 later compared another. 76.23, middle group. Beginning May meeting applicants, whose folders randomly distributed remaining rejected, instead consideration. Each competitively, following rough guidelines proportion After extended offers somewhat over 200 waiting list constructed same fashion, divided ranked Committee's assessment applications. list, lowest quarter. ultimately told room him. forms Filipino treated differently several respects. Whatever Averages, none summary rejection, nor among along Instead, black students assigned separately members: professor worked summer special disadvantaged college considering School.3 Applications assistant dean while competitively another, directly subcommittee full generally, sought find 'within category, persons thought probability succeeding School.'4 reviewing attached weight 'in making total judgmental evaluation ability succeed 21, 1175. publicly Guide Applicants, explained '(a)n racial background factor general attempt convert formal credentials realistic predictions.'5 procedure. Of these, Averages 74.5, ordinarily rejected Chairman. 48 nonminority DeFunis. Twenty-three returning veterans, 2, 25 others presumably factors attractive candidates despite relatively low Averages. 22 facts occasion crucial, heavily weighted factor, extremes dispositive.6 different balance struck, however, Indeed, respondents' advised us procedure generally used, admitted. educational choices confronting university committee oversight; tests employ, how weigh professors undergraduate grades, what level achievement chosen sufficient demonstrate candidate qualified What places category choose set two, determined race. adopted achieve 'a representation' Wash.2d, 20, P.2d, speculated rectify perceived cultural biases LSAT candidates' records, record devoid evidence bias, justify basis. 24 testifying '(w)e do quota .' want representation. go down can,' 'taking people unqualified absolute sense ..' Statement Facts 420. 'unqualified sense' meant 'have probable likelihood chance study conceded 'reaching,' take 'some least, viewed group, majority taken whole.' Id., 423. 'Q. am saying you taking best qualified? 26 'A. total? total. using definition, yes.' 423—424. own assessment, who, given, seemed white accepted, 'reasonable representation.' pointed 1969—1970—two seeking admission—the reported enrollment eight 356.7 Defendants' Ex. 7. That percentage, approximately 2.2%, compares percentage blacks population 2.1%.8 II schools follow advice Wigmore, believed boy makings competent lawyer can studies.' Juristic Psychopoyemetrology Or, How Find Out Whether Boy Has Makings Lawyer, Ill.L.Rev. 454, 463—464 (1929). days every met minimal credentials, prove themselves school. 1920's many found minimally selection began.9 pressure use kind test mounted, instituted them. One precursor modern day Ferson-Stoddard Aptitude examination. Wigmore conducted volunteers, 'had substantial practical value.' 463. conclusions harried still simplify judging 1948 born. ever since.10 purports predict successful consists few hours' worth multiple-choice questions. answers give creativity intelligence test-maker; better more original understanding problem test-maker realize alternative good, understanding. 'It obvious nature significant himself. subtle choice him; show individuality. strong-minded, nonconformist, unusual, original, creative—as truly stifle impulses conform norms testers up unimaginative, scientific way. profoundly gifted is, resentment rise mental strait jacket force mind.' B. Hoffmann, Tyranny Testing 91—92 (1962). 32 Those point, course, high correlations scores year. E.g., Winterbottom, Comments 'A Study Criteria Legal Education Bar,' Article Dr. Thomas M. Goolsby, Jr., J.Legal Ed. 75 Certainly seem chance. value deceptively precise scoring system suggests. proponents' data example, bottom 20% school—indeed six 100 top class. 79. knows done well factors, motivation, backgrounds specific minorities measure, inevitably impair predictor.11 admits finds much better, convenient tool committee. price paid able unknown reasons score—perhaps background. Some tests, least past, aimed eliminating Jews. 33 safely 750 should 500. 643 602 574 528. numbers create illusion difference tending overwhelm factors. 'The wiser aware defects format danger placing reliance method exclusion others. distressing little caveats impressed succumb propaganda testmakers mechanically valid substitute judgment.' 215. 34 thing considered; combined prelaw produce new problems; school's C. extent predicts limited. lower long pull career surpass '(L)aw operated within hermetically sealed system; leak. traditional combination GPA (undergraduate grade average) provided acceptable predictors likely performance past. (But) (t)here provide particularly good evaluators intrinsic enriched individual perform functioning society undergoing change. Nor performance, bar examination, competence success lawyer.' Rosen, Equalizing Access Education: Special Programs Who Are Not Admissible Traditional Criteria, 1970 U.Tol.L.Rev. 321, 332—333. But, whatever techniques, choices. Neither party challenged validity tool, therefore possible deficiencies presented issue. adjustments used validly compare races; chose avoid comparisons. Finally, effort additional rejected. To contrary, assessment—taking account—it white. evaluate made. enact employ criterion based prohibit evaluating prior achievements barriers overcome. pulled ghetto junior thereby perseverance, lead fairminded shows son rich alumnus achieved Harvard. shown potential, Harvard man advantage vastly superior opportunities handicaps, potential years, outstrip classmates earlier records appeared conventional criteria. currently possibilities assurance, nevertheless gauge can, decisions. Such blacks, Chicanos Filipinos, Indians, undoubtedly principal beneficiaries poor Appalachian white, generation Chinese San Francisco, lineage diverse defy labels, similar favorable attributes, rather according preference solely sure, absolute—the favored groups. accord applying, precisely ascertainable record, standards judge judgment, promising Furthermore, apparent reserve them, outset aside.12 proportion, 15% 20%, chosen, 'reasonable,'13 explanation Without becoming embroiled semantic debate constitutes 'quota,' limitation reduce compete—solely Thus, concluded, label wishes it, benign respect displaced it.' 32, 1182. finding classification selecting subjects strictest scrutiny Clause. measure qualification normally introduces capricious irrelevant working invidious discrimination, Anderson Martin, 399, 455, 430; Loving Virginia, 388 1, 10, 87 1817, 1822, 1010; Harper Virginia State Elections, 383 663, 668, 86 1079, 1082, 169. Once educators immediately competing claims difficult, manageable consistent central purpose eliminate official sources discrimination States.' Loving, 1823. reconciled purpose, unless homogeneous account. professional lawyers, selected life computerized society. Indian walks beat Chief Seattle Muckleshoot Tribe Washington14 culture examiners schools. 39 key racially neutral reflects touching backgrounds, properly my setting apart separate processing. dominant Caucasian. Many Eskimos, Chicanos, Asian Burmese, Africans disparate sensitively tuned wide mark minorities. melting pot designed homogenize people, uniform consistency. understand figure speech depicts diversities tolerated flag. S. Morison H. Commager, Growth Republic, c. VIII (4th ed. 1950). Minorities midst actively affairs talent character orientation leanings. know, coming country Washington, young Indians know Adam Smith Karl Marx deeply imbued spirit philosophy Robert Jim Yakimas, Muckleshoots, Joseph Nez Perce offer competitive attitudes towards life, fellow man, nature.15 42 ideas African Socialism.16 Leopold Senghor Se kou Toure , articulate leaders, political oriented Marxism capitalism.17 reintroduction curricula ancient art history reached minds Afro-Americans know. respects Chicanos—as cultures—I warranted, lest differences. 43 Insofar LSAT's dimensions Organization Man disservice personally once aim My reaction presence warrant probe capacities potentials. 44 resolved record. involve disclosure hidden prejudices, any, certain manner measurements one's talents tests. if, raciallt neutral. view, consider, inter alia, established eliminated 45 mean possibility. treatment militate behalf.18 46 right preferred. slavery retard progress blacks. Even whites creating arrogance humility encouraging growth fiction person standards. fact; disability, color. race, manner. 47 slate entirely clean. First, pro rata representation races juries, Cassell Texas, 339 282, 286—287, 70 631 839 schools, Swann Charlotte-Mecklenburg Education, 24, 1267, 1280, 554. Hughes Superior 460, 718, 985, contempt convictions pickets demonstration employer prefer Negroes hiring clerks, ensure 50% employees Negro. California constitutionally enjoin picketing involved quoted opinion noted "make work Lucky dependent fitness equal all, compete open market, rather, membership petitioners upheld demand races, yellow, brown red, discriminatory basis." 463—464, 720. '(t)o deny ban prohibition secure proportional employment ancestral grounds Hungarians Cleveland, Poles Buffalo, Germans Milwaukee, Portuguese Bedford, Mexicans Antonio, numerous whole gamut religious concentrations cities.' 721. 49 reservation fraught dangers, excluded, proportions allocated each, common agreement reached, buffeted claims. excluded Japanese; limit Chicanos. sanctioned preferences wash hands matter, leaving discretion effectively overruled Sweatt Painter, 848, 1114, allowed imposition 'zero' allocation.19 standard Japanese ancestry brings require extend privileges group? 2% Japanese, constitute Bar, handicapped 5% 20%. alternatively, assess grievously suffered allocate accordingly; current almost surely fall, Western always fair evenhanded See, e.g., Yick Wo Hopkins, 118 356, 1064, 220; Terrace Thompson, 263 197, 15, 68 255; Oyama California, 332 269, 249. sustained since wartime Korematsu 214, 193, 194, Hirabayashi 320 81, 63 1375, 1774, involving curfews relocations imposed Japanese-Americans.20 obviously solved next Chinese, Norwegians Swedes, Italians, Puerto Ricans Hungarians, form Nation complaints. 51 Abolition start. invention get background, perception, analyze, her relation They highly subjective, unlike concealed, open. bound principle mechanical insensitive realized hospitable environment. approach assessing dominate process. Interviews time-honored test. programs bypassed try hand courses,21 weighed heavily. moreover, individual's barred way, attempting true career. basis, classifications, skills service communities adequately candidates. benefited expanded here, drawback deserving denied. substantially fulfill giving access profession. administratively sorting administrative convenience discrimination. 52 argument 'compelling' easily practiced here. many, payrolls deluged say poorest need others, desperately employment. token large quotas browns added waiving examinations balanced.22 strict equivalencies occupation, overriding preferences. commands elimination barriers, creation satisfy theory ought organized. lawyers Polish Poles, Jewish Jews, Irish Irish. Americans place anyone.23 heart desegregation cases, Brown 483, 74 686, 98 873, segregated creates suggestions stigma caste classroom, contrary intentions. assumption disapproved; merit. stamp inferiority lawyer. 53 permissible hold reins guarantees acquire accordionlike quality. Speech closely brigaded triggers fight, Chaplinsky Hampshire, 315 568, 62 766, 1031, shouting 'fire' crowded theater riot. strains, susceptibility diseases, sensitiveness environmental conditions experience, extreme differences call 'invidious' Mental category. fairly levels. So concerned, state-sponsored competition violative 54 crucial operation leeway. congeries marginal known methods selection. Conceivably, lot of, say, seats solution. Courts educators; experties limited; task ends inquiry judged main Clause—the protection discrimination24—there displace lieu concerning potentials weighed. decision, proper expertise honor. physical facilities adequate addition 56 Amendment. vacated trial. APPENDIX TO OPINION OF J., DISSENTING excerpts policy, ADMISSIONS 58 A. Policy Regarding Entering Classes Juris Doctor Program—Adopted Faculty December 4, 59 § 1. objectives select prospect quality described below, objective stated. 60 2. measuring relies primarily grade-point (LSAT). weighting indicators statistically reference past resulting ranking nearly accurate measures potential. numerical appear inaccurate alone altered listed below. somewhere zero forty. aid totality, undue emphasis quantify advance strength application, singly whole, are: 61 a) difficulty ease curriculum track pursued; b) demanding non-demanding department; c) attainment advanced degree, thereof, attainment; 64 d) pursuits therein, bearing potential; e) possibility away counterpart presently recently work; 66 f) health indicates higher 67 g) economic pressures h) exceptionally bad writing ingredient LSAT, year's account; 69 i) j) motivation law; k) variations time; 72 l) stated above. 6. historically profession underrepresentation services participation governance communities, recognizes obligation contribute solution problem. Qualified overall education generally. determining specially program, ceiling believes percent available. Under Section above, restriction contained section. No internal specified; strives makeup population. 76 scope appropriate residents state; particulars situation, meet local BRENNAN, whom WHITE, MARSHALL concur, respectfully dissent. weeks remain, assurances term's schooling Any unexpected events—illness, necessity, failure—might term. Were misfortune befall, face hurdle real, fanciful; warn 'Mr. request continued remainder education, discretionary taken.' Respondents' Memorandum Question Mootness 3—4 (emphasis supplied). dissipated University's unlawful policy. proceeds erroneous premise resting holding supposed render completion studies. reverse insure graduate spring, re-enrollment faced 79 circumstances, position implies concession unlawful, falls squarely Court's '(m)ere case.' Concentrated 203, (1968); FTC Goodyear Tire Rubber 304 257, 863, 1326 (1938); (1897). studies, borne 'heavy burden,' demonstrating 'mere possibility' 898. positioned 'free (their) ways.' 80 justification straining rid itself dispute. While vigilant maintain personal stake outcome assure framed specificity, contested necessity adverseness litigation pursued vigor challenge traditionally capable resolution,' Flast Cohen, 83, 106, 1942, 1955, 947 (1968), adversary contest concedes lost controversy, spring appellant took after litigated briefs filed heard. ripe developed factual sharply defined canvassed issues. Cf. 57, 1899, endeavoring dispose disserves interest. avoided today vast organizations, colleges universities, evidenced filing twenty-six amicus curiae briefs. Few stirred debate, disappear. Court. Richardson Wright, 405 208, 212, 788, 791, 151 (1972) (dissenting opinion). avoidance repetitious serves interest, inevitability counsels determinations, compelled 897; Parker Ellis, 362 574, 594, 909, 920, 963 (1960) should, unnecessary questions, transform principles devices sidestepping difficult cases. Cohens Wheat. 264, 404—405, 257 (1821) (Marshall, C.J.). extant very presented. parents wife. Hereafter, singular 'petitioner' used. contrast, 'will (of school) awarded J.D. 1973—74 appeal.' memorandum mootness, unequivocally stated: 'If registers existing period 1974, March canceled unilaterally litigation.' changes commencing September, 1974.' states, '(These) 'certain groups." dissent '(a)ny term.' Post, 348. 'But speculative contingencies afford passing (the petitioner) decide,' Hall Beals, 396 45, 49, 90 200, 202, 214 (1969), absence 'evidence 'immediacy reality." Golden Zwickler, 394 103, 109, 956, 960, 113 Maryland Casualty Coal Oil 270, 273, 510, 512, 85 826 (1941). 4.0 scale, scored scale ranging 800. Writing administered formula; scorded 80. combines calculating sum 51.3, 3.4751 average, .0159 score, .0456 score. App. 24. discussion success, J. 'military' previously unable come, forced leave tenure, draft. preferential reapplication completing military obligation. neither discuss Four time, 77. 31. Their pursuant Opportunities federally funded Office Economic Opportunity sponsored Bar Association, Association Schools, National Council. Testimony 353. explained: 'We gauged averages, careful recommendations, analytical seminars, courses, programs, attended applicant, (if any), graduation. 'An contributions classes community assessed extracurricular activities, employment, gave to, discriminate against, women determinations. predictions.' 18—19, 1174. table interrogatory court: Number Received Accepted 169 210 34. suggest Brief Respondents 27. Bureau Census, Census Population: 1970, Population Characteristics, Final Report PC(1)—B49, Table 18. gradual acceptance standardized Ramsey, Admissions: Science, Art, Hunch?, 503 (1960). survey 1965, Lunneborg Radford, LSAT: Survey Actual Practice, 313 (1966). Rock, Motivation, Moderators, Bias, 527, 535. At range, tentative quality, articulated 'represents statement effect represent policy.' Letter dated p. analysis. goal reserved willing, goal, 12, Uncommon Controversy, Prepared Friends Service 29—30 (1970). Fee, Joseph, Biography Great (1936). F. Brockway, Socialism (W. Friedland Rosberg 1964). L. Senghor, (M. Cook where overtly covertly path showing arbitrary entry Griggs Duke Power 424, 849, 158. 16, 1276, 554, authorities could, broad discretion, specify district prescribed ratio Negro reflecting disestablish dual system. here: impinge person's rights, attend denying regular 'equality' forth Plessy Ferguson, 163 537, 1138, 256. student, said, 'legal equivalent races. State.' 635, 851. war power, leveler rights. Our Navy sunk Pearl Harbor knew fleet was. landed troops west coast nothing stop Rockies. prospective defense coast, enclaves moved inland, invaders donning civilian clothes wreak serious havoc western ports. went verge power; severely criticized. easy retrospect denounce done, attempted invasion country. Joint Chiefs Staff worrying soldiers landing Burma Kota Bharu Malaya. plans knowledge planning worst. decided Ex parte Endo, 243, evacuation allowable conditions, detention not. said: citizen concededly loyal espionage sabotage. Loyalty mind creed, definition spy saboteur. When detain derived protect sabotage, relationship unauthorized.' 302, 218. supra. Johnson Examinations, 407 915, 2439, 690, presenting claimed reconsidered papers submitted failing close cutoff initially examination failed. Arizona summarily, proceeding, findings sustaining rejecting putting awkward posture subsequently civil Federal District damages injunctive dismissed Appeals affirmed, jurisdiction Bar. motion mandamus, and/or Wilmer, 415 911, 1456, 496. Thus entire Johnson's contentions bias examiners' procedures. Underlying ideological plagued associations courts. re Summers, 325 561, 1307, 1795, conscientiously bear arms. vote five four. Konigsberg 353 252, 722, 810, followed, remand, 366 997, 105, barring refusal answer Communist Party membership. He, too, Schware Examiners, 232, 752, 796, Party. Anastaplo, 82, 978, 135, five-to-four invoked Fifth Party, asserted Amendments protected inquiry. Baird Arizona, 702, 639, kept refusing Party; Stolar, 657. Slaughter House Cases, Wall. 394.

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