Document: 499 U.S. 279 111 S.Ct. 1246 113 L.Ed.2d 302 ARIZONA, Petitionerv.Oreste C. FULMINANTE. No. 89-839. Argued Oct. 10, 1990. Decided March 26, 1991. Rehearing Denied May 20, See 500 938, 2067. Syllabus After respondent Fulminante's 11-year-old stepdaughter was murdered in Arizona, he left the State, convicted of an unrelated federal crime, and incarcerated a prison New York. There befriended by Anthony Sarivola, fellow inmate who paid informant for Federal Bureau Investigation masquerading as organized crime figure. When Sarivola told Fulminante that knew getting tough treatment from other inmates because rumor child murderer, offered him protection exchange truth, admitted had killed girl provided details about crime. released prison, also confessed to Sarivola's wife, whom never met before. Subsequently, indicted Arizona first-degree murder. The trial court denied his motion suppress, inter alia, confession rejecting contention it coerced thus barred Fifth Fourteenth Amendments. He sentenced death. State Supreme Court held this Court's precedent precluded use harmless-error analysis such case. It remanded case new without confession. Held: judgment is affirmed. 161 Ariz. 237, 778 P.2d 602, (1988), Justice WHITE delivered opinion with respect Parts I, II, IV, concluding that: 1 1. properly concluded coerced. applied appropriate test, totality circumstances, cf. Schneckloth v. Bustamonte, 412 218, 226, 93 2041, 2047, 36 854, determine confession's voluntariness plainly found motivated confess fear physical violence, absent friend Sarivola. court's finding, permissible on record, there credible threat violence sufficient support finding coercion. Blackburn Alabama, 361 199, 206, 80 274, 280, 4 242. Pp. 285-288. 2 2. Under analysis, which has determined applies admission confessions, post, at 306-312, failed meet its burden establishing, beyond reasonable doubt, harmless. 295-302. 3 (a) A defendant's like no evidence. probably most probative damaging evidence can be against him, and, if full confession, jury may tempted rely alone reaching decision. risk unreliable, coupled profound impact upon jury, requires reviewing exercise extreme caution before determining 295-296. (b) shows burden. First, transcript reveals both recognized successful prosecution depended believing since unlikely circumstantial would have been convict. Second, jury's assessment second could easily presence first. might believed two confessions reinforced corroborated each other, only corroborating some aspects first Without jurors wife's story unbelievable given under questionable they she lie order receive favorable authorities herself her husband. Third, led connections, depicted someone willingly sought out company criminals thus, prejudicial him. Finally, impossible say doubt judge, who, during sentencing phase, relied passed same sentence 296-302. 5 THE CHIEF JUSTICE Part rule adopted Chapman California, 386 18, 87 824, 17 705, applicable involuntary confessions. "trial error," occurs case's presentation trier fact therefore quantitatively assessed context presented whether harmless doubt. See, e.g., Clemons Mississippi, 494 738, 110 1441, 108 725. error differs markedly violations are structural defects constitution mechanism defy standards. Gideon Wainwright, 372 335, 83 792, 9 799; Tumey Ohio, 273 510, 47 437, 71 L.Ed. 749, distinguished. not type transcends criminal process. In fact, create meaningful distinction between elicited violation Sixth Amendment, whose subject see, Milton 407 371, 92 2174, 33 1, those evidentiary equally egregious conduct. 306-312. 6 WHITE, J., opinion, IV Court, filed dissenting III. MARSHALL, BLACKMUN, STEVENS, JJ., joined III, opinion; SCALIA, I II; KENNEDY, IV. REHNQUIST, C.J., II p. ----. O'CONNOR, III KENNEDY SOUTER, concurring judgment, 7 Barbara M. Jarrett, Phoenix, Ariz., petitioner. 8 Paul J. Larkin, Washington, D.C., U.S., amicus curiae, petitioner, special leave Court. Stephen R. Collins, respondent. 10 opinion. 11 ruled Oreste received murder, Amendments United States Constitution. used save conviction. We affirm court, although different reasons than relied. 12 * Early morning September 14, 1982, called Mesa, Police Department report stepdaughter, Jeneane Michelle Hunt, missing. caring while Jeneane's mother, hospital. Two days later, body desert east Mesa. She shot twice head close range large caliber weapon, ligature around neck. Because decomposed condition body, tell sexually assaulted. 13 statements police concerning disappearance relationship contained number inconsistencies, became suspect killing. charges were Jersey. later Jersey possession firearm felon. 14 Ray Brook Correctional Institution 15 BRENNAN STEVENS join entirety; SCALIA joins friends another inmate, then serving 60-day extortion. men came spend several hours day together. former officer, involved loansharking but Investigation. While Brook, masqueraded becoming Fulminante, heard suspected killing Arizona. raised conversations, repeatedly any involvement During one conversation, bikers looking drugs; occasion, said did know what happened. information agent Investigation, instructed find more. 16 learned more evening October 1983, walked together track. "starting get whatnot" rumor. App. 83. protect inmates, " 'You me it,' you know. mean, words, 'For give help.' Ibid. driven motorcycle, where choked her, assaulted made beg life, shooting head. Id., 84-85. November 1983. following May, arrested next month weapons violation. On 4, 1984, murder Jeneane. 18 Prior trial, moved suppress statement well Donna fiancee 1984 release prison. asserted coerced, "fruit" 6-8. Following hearing, specifically that, based stipulated facts, voluntary. 44, 63. introduced December 19, 1985, subsequently 19 appealed, arguing, among things, product coercion violated rights due process considering facts initially error, overwhelming nature Fulminante. 602 (1988). Upon reconsideration, however, 262, P.2d, 627. reversed conviction ordered retried Sarivola.1 differing views state courts over we granted State's petition certiorari, 1055, 1522, 762 (1990). Although majority finds set forth below, court. 20 deal below erred holding argues circumstances determines 854 (1973), contends rather apply standard, "but for" promise confessed. Brief Petitioner 14-15. argument, points reference Bram States, 168 532, 183, 42 568 (1897). noted cannot obtained 'any direct or implied promises, however slight, nor exertion improper influence,' id., 542-543, S.Ct., 186-187 (quoting H. Smith & A. Keep, Russell Crimes Misdemeanors 478 (6th ed. 1896)), clear passage Bram, current does standard conclusion. Rather, cited language part longer quotation accurately described proof establishing voluntariness. 244, 609 (citing Thomas, 148 225, 227, 714 395, 397 (1986); Malloy Hogan, 378 7, 84 1489, 1493, 653 (1964); 186-187). Indeed, stated "determination regarding . must viewed circumstances," 243, 608, 21 applying test focused relevant facts. "because [Fulminante] alleged danger harm hands inmates." addition, aware receiving 'rough guys.' n. 609, Using knowledge these threats, "[i]n response offer protection, confessed." 609. Agreeing "Sarivola's 'extremely coercive,' declared: "[T]he result tendered belief life jeopardy confess. This true every sense word." 627.2 22 normally great deference factual findings Davis North Carolina, 384 737, 741, 86 1761, 1764, 895 (1966); Haynes 373 503, 515, 1336, 1344, 513 (1963); Culombe Connecticut, 367 568, 603-604, 81 1860, 1879-1880, 1037 (1961). Nevertheless, "the ultimate issue 'voluntariness' legal question requiring independent determination." Miller Fenton, 474 104, 110, 106 445, 449, 88 405 (1985). Mincey 437 385, 398, 98 2408, 2416, 57 290 (1978); Davis, supra, 741-742, 1764-1765; Haynes, 1344; Chambers Florida, 309 228-229, 60 472, 473, 716 (1940). 23 one, agree conclusion coerced.3 unless Our cases ofcoercion need depend actual government agent;4 sufficient. As said, "coercion mental physical, blood accused hallmark unconstitutional inquisition." 279, 242 (1960). Culombe, 584, 1869; Reck Pate, 433, 440-441, 1541, 1546-1547, 948 (1961); Rogers Richmond, 365 534, 540, 735, 739, 760 Payne Arkansas, 356 560, 561, 78 844, 846, 975 (1958); Watts Indiana, 338 49, 52, 69 1347, 1349, 1801 (1949). Payne, interrogating officer promised confessed, angry mob outside jailhouse door, 564-565, 567, 848-849, 850, so too here, (and Government agent) Accepting will overborne way render 24 Four us, Justices myself, ground inapplicable erroneously disagree contrary view. 25 today abandons until now regarded "axiomatic [proposition] defendant deprived law founded, whole part, regard truth falsity [81 735 (1961) ], even though ample aside Malinski York, 324 401 [65 781, 89 1029 (1945) ]; Stroble 343 181 [72 599, 96 872 (1952) 560 [78 975]." Jackson Denno, 368, 376, 1774, 1780, 908 (1964). stressed view verdict "an impermissible doctrine," Lynumn Illinois, 528, 537, 917, 922, 922 evidence, objection, vitiates violates Due Process Clause Amendment," 850. Rose Clark, 570, 578, 6, 3101, 3106, 460 Portash, 440 450, 459, 99 1292, 1297, 59 501 (1979); Lego Twomey, 404 477, 483, 619, 623, 30 618 (1972); 23, 8, 828, 705 (1967); 518, 1345; 279; Spano 360 315, 324, 79 1202, 1207, 1265 (1959); Brown Allen, 344 443, 475, 73 397, 416, 97 469 (1953); 181, 190, 72 603, (1952); Gallegos Nebraska, 342 55, 63, 141, 146, (1951); Haley 332 596, 68 302, 303, 224 (1948); 401, 404, 65 783, (1945); Lyons Oklahoma, 322 597, 64 1208, 1210, 1481 (1944). decisions show, when into Today, justification, Rumsey, 467 203, 212, 104 2305, 2310, 164 (1984), overrules vast word doing dislodges fundamental tenets our justice system. 26 extending declares numerous errors," reason should well. four us remain convinced, abide refused fundamentally types applied. concedes, itself prior "have indicated constitutional basic fair their infraction treated placed category using trial. (emphasis added). Moreover, reiterated denial regardless record 623; 2416; 1297; 577, 3105, 6. 27 three errors categorized error: depriving counsel, trying biased judge. attempts distinguish listed distorting decision drawing meaningless dichotomy errors" "structural defects" Viewing merely whereby stand "sufficient evidence," conviction, suggests reached test. Post, (opinion Rehnquist, C.J.). clear, though, amount judgment," "where, constitutes general returned, credit weight gave confession." inability assess effect causes "defy 'harmless-error' standards," C.J.), just certainly do deprivation counsel 28 occur "during jury," 307, deems susceptible mechanism," 1265, concedes analyzed. effort fails, jurisprudence classified neatly issue. For example, failure instruct presumption innocence, Kentucky Whorton, 441 786, 2088, 640 (1979), analyze terms Virginia, 443 320, 2781, 2790 61 (1979). These reconciled labeling error" latter not, concern exact stage proceedings. right instruction innocence constitutionally required satisfy process, offers additional safeguard 789, 2089; Taylor Kentucky, 436 478, 488-490, 1930, 1936-1937, 56 468 (1978). possible omission reasonable-doubt given, instruction, distorts very structure creates convict proof. Cf. Cool 409 100, 354, 357, 34 335 re Winship, 358, 364, 90 1068, 1072, 368 (1970). 29 concerns "probably him," Cruz 481 186, 195, 107 1714, 1720, 95 162 (1987) (White, dissenting), expected ignore so, Bruton 391 123, 140, 1620, 1630, 476 (1968) event Concededly, insufficient justify per se bar Thus, (1972), Amendment counsel.5 Similarly, Courts Appeals introduction incriminating taken defendants Miranda 436, 1602, 694 (1966), error.6 declaring "impossible 312 overlooks obvious. Neither Wainwright relies present distinctive underlying exclusion defendant.7 untrustworthy. 385-386, 1785-1786; 1205. Consequently, distort truth-seeking function focuses. More importantly, "whether false," forbidden methods extract them offend principle enforcement law: ours accusatorial inquisitorial system—a system establish guilt independently freely secured prove charge own mouth," 540-541, 739-740; see Lego, 485, 624. reflects "strongly felt attitude society important human values sacrificed agency government, course securing wrings will," 206-207, 279-280, deep-rooted feeling obey enforcing law; end liberty much endangered illegal thought themselves," Spano, 320-321, 1205-1206. permitting free base guilty inconsistent thesis justice. 235-238, 476-478. 31 invalidate error. judge "is prohibited entering directing come forward verdict, Sparf Hansen 156 51, 105 [15 273, 294, 39 343] (1895); Carpenters 330 408 [67 775, 782, 91 973] (1947), how overwhelmingly point direction." Martin Linen Supply Co., 430 564, 572-573, 1355, 51 642 (1977). entitled 799 (1963), recognized, violating 8. White Maryland, 59, 1050, 193 preliminary hearing showing prejudice. Vasquez Hillery, 254, 617, 598 (1986), unlawful members race grand despite guilt. struck "undermine[d] integrity tribunal itself, [was] amenable review." 263-264, 623. Vasquez, Chapman, automatic reversal tried financial interest outcome, 535, 749 (1927), lack indication bias influenced Waller Georgia, 39, 2210, 2217, guarantee public prejudice intangible unprovable particular 32 search indeed central justice, "certain be, trial." 587, 3111 (Stevens, judgment). rights, "abort[s] process" "render[s] unfair." foregoing adhere consistent line authority tenet system, after prohibition Stare decisis "of importance law," Welch Texas Dept. Highways Public Transportation, 483 468, 494, 2941, 2957, 389 (1987); convincing overturning long Since five becomes necessary evaluate ruling admissibility Pennsylvania Union Gas 491 45, 109 2273, 2289, (1989) part); 57, 2303 (O'Connor, dissenting). 24, "before harmless, able declare doubt." power review de novo error's harmlessness. ibid.; Satterwhite Texas, 486 258, 1798. doing, demonstrating contribute 829. Five carried accordingly reversing petitioner's 35 [T]he admissions actor himself, knowledgeable unimpeachable source past Certainly, justifiably ability put mind so." 139-140, 1630 1720 dissenting) ). isolated linked discloses motive means tempt initial admissible rendered cumulative. 245-246, 610-611. wounds, neck, location motorcycle tracks scene "due adduced still convict" 246, 611. 37 quite evaluation leads conclude Three considerations compel result. 38 Absent prosecuted all, indictment nearly years murder.8 beginning, prosecutor acknowledged opening "[W]hat brings makes fileable, prosecutable triable Mr. confesses wife." 65-66. began, renewed opined, "You know, think little character man [Sarivola] truthfulness untruthfulness credibility centerpiece case, not?" responded, "It's important, there's 62. closing prefaced discussion conceding: "[W]e lot [circumstantial] indicates suspect, it, it's short far saying actually gun girl's her. So that. recognize that." Tr. 75 (Dec. 17, 1985). unbelievable. allegedly occurred drove York Pennsylvania. testified met, detail brutal casual why going visit instead returning family 167-168. "disgusted" disclosures, 169, took steps notify learned, 172-173. claimed barely discussed matter car overheard entire conversation Donna. 174-175. Despite disgust went trip 173-174. informed Pennsylvania, mention Donna's 159-161. Only questioned June 1985 belatedly recall year before, ask willing discuss authorities. 90-92. 40 many, including assaulted, not. 186-188. mind, Sarivola.9 CR 142821 (Super.Ct. Maricopa County, Feb. 11, 1986), pp. 3-4. found, other. reason, cumulative occasions listeners, being strains credulity especially 41 assist significant benefits authorities, payment information, immunity prosecution, eventual placement Witness Protection Program. 79, 114, 129-131. desire treatment, she, too, ultimately 176, 179-180. connections attempt explain seeking protection. 45-48, 67. relevance inadmissible reflected character, Fulminante's, impeach admitted, testify testimony. reflect well, criminals. capable murder.10 43 here erroneous phase law, sentencer. Ariz.Rev.Stat.Ann. § 13-703(B) (1989). At aggravating governed rules trials. 13-703(C). "based produced trial," 142821, 2, circumstance existed i.e., committed heinous, cruel, depraved manner." Ibid.; 13-703(F)(6). conclusion, heavily manner motives "cruel," knees 3. determination, neither make partly 44 "acted heinous mind," solely 4. sexual assault considered cruelty worthy mind. vulgar references similar comments Sarivolas torture, choking, assault, all not," ibid., "a bragging relishing committed." 5. 45 conclusions Furthermore, judge's credibility, hence reliability corroborative similarities reliable either alone, permit requisite prelude imposing death penalty. 46 admitting admitted. Accordingly Affirmed. 48 Chief O'CONNOR joins, SOUTER 49 concludes "involuntary" analysis. Nonetheless, involuntary. And deemed involuntary, second, untainted supports 50 voluntary law. "Without exception, hold (1978), overturned determination voluntary, "we bound Instead, duty record." 2416. depends voluntarily made. "The remains clearly established Anglo-American hundred years: Is essentially unconstrained choice maker? If is, willed confess, capacity self-determination critically impaired, offends process." 1879, (quoted 225-226, (1973)). 52 parties respondent's Prison, confidential FBI. various rumors FBI contact, "to it." having already occasions, asked true, adding position recriminations "[he] truth." substantial child. suppression "[a]t time indicate ever seek 'protection.' 10. aware, through excerpt interview testimony appended reply memorandum, "running short" horizontally." 28. 53 it. But comprehensive included, addition guys, protected.' presentence report, showed stranger system: six felony convictions imprisoned occasions. 54 basis stated: 55 "Defendant inmates. faced possibility retribution return victim's maintains "extremely coercive' 'obvious' inference agree." 608. Exercising responsibility examination decide question, am loss did. obtain proffered "if [he] protected," adds anything substance parties' stipulation. rests assumption squarely stipulation, supported unaware informant, none result[ing] interaction custody official interrogation." Illinois Perkins, 496 292, 297, 2394, 2397, 243 consistently accepted informants discovery legitimate investigatory procedure Kuhlmann Wilson, 477 2616, 364 White, 745, 1122, 453 (1971); Hoffa 385 293, 304, 408, 414, 374 (1966). conversations lengthy, times company. threatened demanded confess; simply requested speak matter. experienced habitue prisons, presumably fend himself. embraces expansive definition term warranted decided cases. 58 landmark (1967), automatically require wide 752-754, 1450-1451, 725 (1990) (unconstitutionally overbroad instructions capital case); 249, 1792, 100 284 (1988) (admission Counsel Clause); Carella 263, 266, 2419, 2421, 218 (jury containing conclusive presumption); Pope 497, 501-504, 1918, 1921-1923, 439 misstating element offense); (1986) rebuttable Crane 683, 691, 2142, 2147, 636 (erroneous confession); Delaware Van Arsdall, 475 673, 1431, 674 (restriction cross-examine witness Confrontation Rushen Spain, 464 117-118, 453, 454-455, 267 (1983) (denial trial); Hasting, 461 499, 103 1974, 76 (improper comment silence Self-Incrimination Hopper Evans, 456 605, 102 2049, (1982) (statute improperly forbidding giving lesser included offense (1979) (failure innocence); Moore 434 220, 232, 458, 466, 424 (1977) identification 411 223, 231-232, 1565, 1570-1571, 208 (1973) out-of-court nontestifying codefendant (1972) (confession Massiah 377 201, 1199, 246 (1964)); Maroney, 399 42, 52-53, 1975, 1981-1982, 419 (1970) Fourth Amendment); Coleman 10-11, 1999, 2003-2004, 387 Clause). common thread connecting error"—error many violations, faithful doctrine essential preserve "principle purpose promotes focusing fairness virtually inevitable immaterial error." 681, 1436 (citations omitted). "Although error,8 Fahy [v. 375 85, 229, 171 (1963) ] belies violate Constitution call reversal. 62 "8 975] (coerced [83 799] (right counsel); 510 [47 749] (impartial judge)." 63 Id. 827-828. dissent stare believe lead place, quoted adopt "[a]lthough indicated," relegation themselves footnote, appropriately historical holdings buttressed (1958), referred proposition said: "Respondent apart adequate sustain verdict. where, uniformly Amendment." 567-568, 66 apparent argument rejected lenient allow affirmance confirmed Clark Such would, unlike test—make risk-free State. 67 confession—a classic error"—is footnote One total violation, impartial. mechanism, "harmless-error" conduct beginning isobvi ously affected absence defendant, bench added following: self-representation McKaskle Wiggins, 465 168, 177-178, 944, 950-951, 122 (1984); 9, (1984). Each deprivations defect affecting framework within proceeds, itself. protections, reliably serve vehicle punishment fair." 577-578, 3106 (citation evident comparison belong category. degree kind composition indistinguishable Amendment—of seized Amendment—or prosecutor's Amendment. appellate forms reviews remainder Nor "transcends magnitude involving level misconduct. instance, previously (1964), 1570-1571; Schneble 427, 1056, 340 Harrington 395 250, 1726, (1969). Amendments, respectively, deterrence something "fundamental" allegations behalf police. rights. misconduct results least reprehensible prisoner's inmate-informer Milton, characterized implicating face today. experience guarantees involve elicit 70 Of dramatic errors—in devastating defendant—but error; eschewing entirely. That explicit tainted wounds (the victim calibre weapon neck) opinion—in confessions—that seems objection. Accordingly, reverse judgment. Justice, my view, err proceeds consider With posture, address 74 Again JUSTICE, conducting inquiry appreciate indelible distinguished, incriminates connected believes doubtless rest careful consideration Apart, perhaps, videotape difficulty plea innocence. confidence issues admit confession: coerced; appropriate; here. My command majority. interests providing mandate deem proper accept inadmissible. light evidence; concur "fruit poisonous tree," months Sarivola; ended; place 611 adhered supplemental aspect challenged possesses low average intelligence; dropped school fourth grade. Record 88i, 88o. stature slight build. 88. always adapted stress life. age "felt [prison] population," 88x, protective custody. Once there, unable cope isolation psychiatric 88t-88b1. factors overborne. (1958) (lack education); 441, 1546, (low intelligence). (listing potential factors); (same). note particularly former's entreaties. 323, (1959). "coerced confession" "involuntary interchangeably "by convenient shorthand." 207, throughout acted 19; Respondent (1977), Clause, Wainwright. Howard Pung, 862 F.2d 1348, 1351 (CA8) cert. denied, 492 920, 3247, 593 (1989); Johnson, 816 918, 923 (CA3 1987); Bryant Vose, 785 (CA1), 907, 3281, 570 770 932 (CA11 1985), modified, 781 185, 479 909, 281 Ramirez, 710 542-543 (CA9 1983); Harryman Estelle, 616 870, 875 (CA5) (en banc), 449 860, 101 161, (1980). "does mean presume privilege compulsory self-incrimination intelligently exercised." Oregon Elstad, 470 298, 310, 1285, 1293, 222 Quarles, 649, 654, 2626, 2630, 550 previously, yet 1985. They did, serious challenge. moral demonstrated worked uniformed officer. 74-75, 104-105. His overzealous approach gathering revealed fabricated tape recording connection earlier, investigation, 96-98. provided. 129. eagerness stay Program detailed hint Jeneane; mentioned further interrogation, recalled, time, 90-92, 148-149. impeaching undoubtedly undercut which, surprisingly, recounted impeachable isolation, difficult discount conjunction asserts incarcerations, reputation untruthfulness, likewise excluded. 31-32. event, express

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