Document: 462 U.S. 579 103 S.Ct. 2573 77 L.Ed.2d 22 UNITED STATES, Petitionerv.Jose Reynaldo VILLAMONTE-MARQUEZ et al. No. 81-1350. Argued Feb. 23, 1983. Decided June 17, Syllabus Title 19 U.S.C. § 1581(a) authorizes customs officers to board any vessel at time and place in the United States examine vessel's manifest other documents. Customs officers, while patrolling a ship channel which connects Gulf of Mexico with Lake Charles, La., Port Entry, sighted an anchored, 40-foot sailboat. The wake passing caused sailboat rock violently, when one two respondents, who were aboard vessel, shrugged his shoulders unresponsive manner asked if crew all right, accompanied by Louisiana State Police officer, boarded see documentation. While examining document, officer smelled what he thought be burning marihuana and, looking through open hatch, saw burlap-wrapped bales that proved marihuana. Respondents then arrested given Miranda warnings, subsequent search revealed more stored throughout vessel. Upon trial Federal District Court, respondents convicted various federal drug offenses, but Court Appeals reversed, holding officers' boarding violated Fourth Amendment because occurred absence "a reasonable suspicion law violation." Held: action pursuant was "reasonable," therefore consistent Amendment. Although no Act Congress can authorize violation Constitution, 1790, lineal ancestor 1581(a), First clearly authorized suspicionless vessels Government reflecting its view such boardings are not contrary Amendment, promulgated same Congress. random stops vehicles, without articulable unlawful conduct, away from Nation's borders permissible under v. Brignoni-Ponce, 422 873, 95 2574, 45 607; Delaware Prouse, 440 648, 99 1391, 59 660, whereas vehicles fixed checkpoints or roadblocks are, Martinez-Fuerte, 428 543, 96 3074, 49 1116; supra, nature waterborne commerce waters providing ready access sea is sufficiently different vehicular traffic on highways as make possible alternatives sort "stop" made this case less likely accomplish obviously essential governmental purposes involved. system prescribed outward markings used for vehicle registration also significantly than external vessels, extent type documentation required good deal variable complex state laws. Moreover, interests assuring compliance requirements, particularly where need deter apprehend smugglers great, substantial, intrusion case, minimal, limited. Pp. 584-593. 652 F.2d 481 (5th Cir., 1981), reversed. Samuel A. Alito, Jr., Newark, N.J., petitioner. Richard P. Ieyoub, respondents. Justice REHNQUIST delivered opinion Court. 1 has provided "[a]ny may go . documents papers end hail stop use necessary force compel compliance." (1976).1 We decide whether offended officials, acting statute wrongdoing, inspection located sea.2 2 Near midday March 6, 1980, policemen, patroling Calcasieu River Ship Channel, some 18 miles inland coast, they Henry Morgan II, 40 foot sailboat, anchored facing east west side channel. Channel north-south waterway connecting Louisiana. southwestern corner Louisiana, designated Entry Houston, Texas Region. there Louisiana's Lake, separate thoroughfare moving between Charles must traverse. 3 Shortly after sighting observed large freighter north creating huge it passed II smaller violently side. patrol boat approached port behind stern. On stern name "Henry II," displayed along home port, "Basilea." man, respondent Hamparian, deck. Officer Wilkins twice right. Hamparian manner. 4 Wilkins, Dougherty Police, handed appeared request change Swiss registry French registry, written dated February 1980. It subsequently discovered designation "Basilea" Latin Basel, Switzerland; was, however, registry. 5 marijuana. Looking Respondent Villamonte-Marquez sleeping bag atop bales. both gave them warnings. A 5,800 poun marijuana almost every conceivable including forward, mid, aft cabins, seats part 6 jury found guilty conspiring import 21 963, importing 952(a), possess intent distribute 846, possessing 841(a)(1). Fifth Circuit reversed judgment conviction, finding "was fourth amendment" 481, 488 (CA5 1981). Because conflict among Circuits importance question presented affects enforcement laws, we granted certiorari. 457 1104, 102 2902, 73 1312 (1982).3 now reverse. 7 In 1790 enacted comprehensive "to provide effectually collection duties imposed goods, wares merchandise imported into States, tonnage ships vessels." Aug. 4, ch. 35, Stat. 145. Section 31 pertinent follows: 8 "That shall lawful collectors, naval surveyors, inspectors, revenue cutters herein mentioned, within four leagues coast thereof, bound out their respective districts, demanding manifests aforesaid, searching said ." 164. 9 This appears provision present upon government relies sustain case. provides "any papers. 10 insists language do seriously dispute contention, contend even though here prohibition against unreasonable searches seizures contained Constitution. course agree respondents' argument "no Constitution." Almeida-Sanchez 413 266, 272, 93 S.C 2535, 2539, 37 596 (1973). But Government's contention enactment constitutional amendments ultimately became Bill Rights gives impressive historical pedigree.4 Ramsey, 431 606, 97 1972, 52 617 (1977). As long ago decision Boyd 116 616, 524, 29 L.Ed. 746 (1886), said: 11 "The seizure stolen goods common like have been our own acts commencement government. first regulate duties, act July 31, 1789, 29, 43, contains provisions effect. proposed adoption original clear members body did regard kind 'unreasonable,' embraced amendment." Id., 623, S.Ct., 528 (emphasis supplied). 12 relied several decisions 607 (1975), 13 "Except border functional equivalents, roving only aware specific facts, together rational inferences those reasonably warrant contain aliens illegally country." 884, 2581. 14 think later bear before us. 15 1116 (1976), upheld authority Border Patrol maintain permanent near intersections important roads leading would stopped brief questioning occupants "even reason believe particular illegal aliens." 545, 3077. Distinguishing 16 "A requirement major routes always based impractical flow tends too heavy allow particularized study car enable identified carrier aliens. particular, largely eliminate deterrent conduct well-disguised smuggling operations, known these regularly." U.S., 557, 3082. 17 Three Terms held 660 (1979), "persons automobiles public roadways alone travel privacy interfered unbridled discretion police officers." 663, 1401. added alternative methods, spot checks involve intrusion, oncoming roadblock-type stops, just readily State's objectives furthering auto safety Our focus area "reasonableness" "Thus, permissibility practice judged balancing individual's promotion legitimate interests." 654, 1396. See Camara Municipal 387 523, 87 1727, 930 (1967); Terry Ohio, 392 1, 88 1868, 20 889 (1968); Cady Dombrowski, 433, 2523, 706 (1973); (1975 ; (1976). seems had automobile highway border, rather channel, run afoul suspicion. supra. overarching principle embodied factual differences offering principal thoroughfares sufficient require result here. difference outcome checkpoint due deemed intrusive awesome compared stops. And preference opposed expressed reflects concern. claim practical move direction follow established "avenues" do. officials option spotting might come herding canals straits order Smuggling importation land may, undoubtedly usually does, take ports entry, much least finite number identifiable roads. eventually maritime funnel rivers, canals, like, analogous "roadblock" approach feasible, seaward beyond sea. asserted could ports. But, having never harbor. Should captain want avoid authorities carry activity anchoring obscure location shoreline, or, planned transfer cargo another. cases involving endeavors fishing water exploration, complete mission assistance. Quite apart aforementioned traveling highways, requirements respect licensing prevails generally States. often tell merely observing vehicle's license plate currently law. 660-661, 1399-1400. No comparable "license plates" "stickers" issued vessels. Both exterior documented vessels—the hailing port—as well numerals undocumented American boats, marked instance owner. Furthermore, foreign carries port. Here indicated actuality carried panoply statutes regulations governing likewise extensive typical licensing; explicit mention illustrate point. All five tons commercial "certificate documentation." addition, engaged certain trades obtain special licenses. pleasure size documented, eligible registration. 46 65 seq. (Supp. IV 1980). Many submit periodic Coast Guard inspection" kept times. §§ 399, 400 Smaller cannot papers, each propulsion machinery state-issued number" available 1470 Vessels certificate. 1471 23 "manifest", immediately arrival country. 1439 If wants visit district, "permit proceed" call, exception yacht permit "cruising license." 313 (1976); 1435 Any departing deliver "manifest" clearance. 91 24 These laws serve interest many obvious ways suggest substantially furthered They linchpin regulation participation trades, fishing, salvaging, towing, dredging, areas trade sanctioned, environmental play vital role duties. imports exports assisting, example, prevention entry country controlled substances, aliens, prohibited medicines, adulterated foods, dangerous chemicals, agricultural products, diseased animals, weapons explosives. course, most substantial Entry. Cf. Requests check certificates ensuring waterways. conclusively establish shipping will.5 25 document great,6 resultant quite does intrude one's ability " 'free passage interrupt on,' 557-558, 3082-3083 (quoting Carroll 267 132, 154, 280, 285, 69 543 (1925)), involves detention board, inspect 880, 2579. "Neither [vessel] nor searched, visual limited seen search." 558, 3083. interference protected is, degree. created modest intrusion. 26 briefly recapitulate reasons, set forth above greater detail, lead us conclude violate issue Amendment; pedigree. Random are. Ibid. substantial; 27 factors stopping 28 Reversed. BRENNAN, whom MARSHALL joins, STEVENS joins Part I, dissenting. 30 today holds moot despite voluntary dismissal prosecution Government. roving, time, navigable accessible sea, probable cause crime crossing, limits whatever impose invasion privacy. I either holding, dissent. * settled party seek appellate review itself sought obtained it, unless so solely device immediate interlocutory order. E.g., Procter & Gamble, 356 677, 680-681, 78 983, 5, 1077 (1958); Babbitt, 104 767, 921 (1881); Evans Phillips, (4 Wheat.) 73, 516 (1819). 32 Yet precisely permits case.1 violations sentenced prison. August 3, 1981, convictions rested evidence. Rehearing denied October 19, mandate 29. November 20, motion recall stay reissuance until December 7, pending petition writ certiorari Government, permitted expire filing petition, 8. 21, moved voluntarily indictment Rule Criminal Procedure 48(a), day. Not January 18, 1982 file Court.2 33 48(a) "may leave court indictment, information complaint thereupon terminate" added). ever challenged effectiveness Court's dismissal, aside, rehearing direct appeal. permanently terminated prosecution, asks reinstate convictions—convictions extant criminal action. Neither adequate explanation how possible. 34 primarily issuance appeals necessarily Ante, 581-582, n. 2. That ordinarily true enough, beside (or failure further stay), request. cites Mancusi Stubbs, 408 204, 205-207, 92 2308, 2309-2310, 293 (1972), support proposition dismissal. Presumably refers "[p]etitioner's obedience o case." 206, 2309 (footnote omitted).3 unspoken step logic assertion "the dismissed comply appeals' mandate." Supplemental Brief 3. assertion, patently false. syllable Appeals' purported dismiss infirm inadmissible evidence; remained retry proper evidence, points hence matter retried circumstance indeed sensible response decision, intend proceed seeking liability if, contrary, intended reversal judgment, why should terminate 48 Instead, could, should, proceeded allowing stand disposition. draws my attention anything foreclosed action.4 Plainly, (presumably changed) let drop, contenting deportation. 35 preliminary steps merged conviction sentence. Again, enough general rule, hard position. rule means simply subj ct attack appeal final judgment; meant taken undermine fundamental foundation predicate felony opposite—that attacked defective, entire sentence falls. Likewise, dismissed, everything "merged" included Where valid pending, "[i]t avail say still jurisdiction person crime; for, possession person, crime, properly offence gone, right progress indictment." Ex parte Bain, 121 13, 781, 787, 849 (1887).5 recognition principle: Once terminate." terminated, entirely power revive sentences arose died it. Hence, nonadvisory relief grant vacated remanded instructions moot. 36 Today, nearly 200-year history approves completely persons onto private, noncommercial premises limitations safeguards abuse. makes pretense assistance supported precedent approving extraordinary unregulated powers.6 correctly recognizes relevant precedents checkpoints. (1975); Ortiz, 891, 2585, 623 (1979). read today's hints stop, seize, enter, vehicle, whim officer. uniformly hold requires cause, suspicion, another discretion-limiting feature instead patrols. reach merits, therefore, affirmance. freely admits holdings vehicle-stop cases, ante, 588, pass muster precedents, ibid. upholds seizure, concluding boats cars justify blatant departure solid recent precedent.7 There three basic flaws reasoning. First, exclusive tools investigation puts cart horse; overlooks primary concern guided previous decisions—our unqualified rejection "standardless unconstrained discretion," 661, 1400, subject liberties individual field. Second, supposed insubstantial making. third, non sequitur situation arbitrary permit, dispense Amendment' protections. 38 Almeida-Sanchez, suspect contraband governs severity selective exercised field cause: 39 "This degree private search, automobile, To protect official arbitrariness, regarded minimum 896, 2588 omitted). Brignoni-Ponce addressed occupants, occupants. governed probable-cause Ortiz procedures considerably full searches. Nevertheless, continued insist, done, meaningful ch ck police. 41 patrol. vehicle-search Amendment's command independent constraints: 42 "We unwilling roving-patrol [T]he reasonableness demands something broad unlimited approve area, carrying immigrants, residents potentially officers. [I]f approved position motorists questioning, day night, anywhere 100 2,000-mile city street, busy highway, desert road, law." 882-883, 2580-2581 43 recognizes, 588-589, Martinez-Fuerte additional latter took Fixed advantages, purposes, over patrols: decrease somewhat intrusiveness limit consequent potential 44 "[W]e light subjective intrusion—the generating fright travelers—is appreciably stop. ". [C]heckpoint operations appear actually discretionary activity. regularized operated visible reassuring law-abiding motorists, duly believed interest. chosen field, responsible making overall effective allocation resources. assume will unlikely locate bears arbitrarily oppressively class. since checkpoint, room abusive harassing individuals stops." 558-559, 47 894-895, 2587-2588. reaffirmed Prouse involved random, license-and-registration check. prior patrols fixed-checkpoint 657, 1398, ever-present danger arbitrariness abuse posed stops: marginal contr bution roadway possibly resulting subjecting occupant seizure—limited magnitude intrusions nonetheless constitutionally cognizable—at officials. insist neither appropriate basis directed objective standard govern exercise 'would invite guaranteed rights nothing inarticulate hunches .' [1,] [88 1880, (1968) ]. When driver violating multitude applicable equipment regulations—or amounting unlicensed unregistered—we conceive patrolman productive driver. standardless evil discerned insisted circumscribed, extent." 1400 50 short, relies, purports draw boat, "waters sea," 588,8 guide unsupported hunch, whim, desire harass flaunt authority. patrol, concededly uphold flatly square cases. 51 Nor justified intrusiveness. asserts "only intrusion," 592 (although, admits, "minimal" one, 593). modest, comparison full, detailed cause. bland masks fact severe Also noncriminal henceforth waters, Unlike earlier mere cf. infra, 608, actual vessel—more similar house Prouse. Further, enthusiasm identifying cars, difference—the expectation tha enjoy boats. unlike car, serves dwelling owners, apparently Even owners live full-time, essentially function summer vacation cottage—a residence, albeit temporary one. instance, suppose entitled remain undisturbed sweeps aside thought.9 Today's thus runs roughshod previously free commission invade thereof. Here, "[I] [a Officer] [boarding] [vessel]. 1400. B 53 attempts pointing problems setting. accept premise protections II-C. event, am unpersuaded demonstrated 54 practicable up traverse." 582. strong resemblance limited-access interstate sets checkpoints, 553, 3080. opportunity fixed-point inspection, compares favorably New Castle County, rand m Yet, predictable difficulty setting ordinary urban suburban network streets, rovingpatrol unconstitutional justification waterways.10 55 Checkpoints apparent really enforcement. noted many, all, defects detectable means, necessity 1399. stake vindicated drivers commit violations. 659-660, "Smuggling commonly attended navigation laws." Maul 274 501, 525, 735, 744, 71 1171 (1927) (Brandeis, J., concurring). Similarly, alien characteristics tend generate grounds violators. Consequently, allows guarding protects indiscriminate interference." 883, shows trade.11 56 rests uniform plates giving evidence identifies reason, affairs. manifestly easy comparatively inexpensive identification. unseemly best refrain implementing simple, effective, unintrusive device, argue justifies unprecedented liberties. assuming necessary, explain invariably alongside someone Use ship-to-shore radio, too, contributes keep track matters. Florida Royer, 460 ----, 1319, 1328, 1329, 75 229 (plurality opinion); id., *, 1331, (BRENNAN, concurring result). C 57 persuasive showing enforcement, holding. that, situations dislike placed powers sanction 58 needs constant tension Constitution's exercises power. predictability pressures counsels resolute loyalty safeguards. words Mr. Jackson, soon return Nuremberg trials: 'These [Fourth rights], protest, second-class belong catalog indispensable freedoms. Among deprivations rights, none cowing population, crushing spirit putting terror heart. Uncontrolled arsenal government.' Brinegar 338 160, 180 [69 1302, 1313, 1879] [ (1949) ] (Jackson, dissenting)." 273-274, 2539-2540. III 60 dissent fear "continuing evisceration protection seizures." 567, 3087. majority chided me rhetoric "unwarranted concern," expressly narrowly limited: "Our today, routine confined checkpoints." 566, 3087, 19. Today breaks promise. 277 (1976) (provides concerned revenue"). 89(a) 1581(b) inspections. narrow issue. question. Relying Sarmiento-Rozo, 1318 1979), deported vacating convictions, indictments dismissed. Sarmiento-Rozo argument; nevertheless, reject contention. reversing convictions. Ordinarily entered Morrison, 429 24, 25, (Per Curiam). stay, permitting Appeals, effect reversal. Aetna Casualty Surety Co. Flowers, 330 464, 467, 67 798, 799, 1024 (1947); Carr Zaja, 283 52, 360, 836 (1931). Under reasoning conclusion. proceeding once defendant sentenced. Parr 351 513, 518-519, 76 912, 916, 1377 (1956); Berman 302 211, 164, 82 204 (1937). sentence, returned sentences, obviating reinstatement indictment. remove controversy Following possibility extradited imprisoned crimes, manage re-enter arrest imprisonment Campos-Serrano, 404 293, 294, 2, 471, 472, (1971). collateral consequence bar attempt 1182(a)(9) Pennsylvania Mimms, 434 U. 106, 108, 98 330, 332, 331 (1977) (per curiam); Sibron York, 40, 53-57, 1889, 1897-1899, 917 (1968). dissent's discussion mootness places reliance (1887), hypothetical example civil Peter David. Post, 594-598 1. Bain facts Salinger 272 542, 173, 398 (1926), "In 849, accused amendment alteration adverse ruling demurrer, amended charge resubmission grand jury. broader applied." 549, 175 doubt jury, tried analogy, verdict guilty. At juncture, reasons explained above, successful effort reverse reinstating conviction. concerning activities II. concerns validity inspection. Respondents, Policeman, following informant's tip marijuana, rely authorizing line rejected Scott 436 128, 135-139, 1717, 1722-1724, 168 (1978), again Acceptance respondent's incongruous criticized Judge Campbell Arra, 630 836, 846 (CA1 1980): little sanctioning examinations ordinary, unsuspect forbidding suspected smugglers." "bound States" (1927), contends 145, domestic waters. 600-601 7. misreads decision. noted, "in States." ignors reads phrase "if qualifies "within coast." sense whatsoever says location, Again statutory scheme. applies "goods, duty" concealed vessel" dwelling-house, store, building place." purport sections matters other. Brandeis concurrence. concurrence "recognized" 1922 States," reading Brandeis' imprecise, least. Observing changes law, described terms: "Unlike statutes, inbound 529, 745, 1171. Thus allowed not. way altered retaining "go contrary. seize "on high seas twelve 503, 736. tracing authorization "seizures seas," 504, 736, pre-1922 decendents, mile limit, 505-506, 737. determined, 1799, 22, 70, 627, respecting revenue." Nothing remotely apply maintains lieu enforce requiring display identification records shore referred radio. method. So method constitutional, methods exist. 447, 2530, great "pleasure boats." difficulties drawing exemplified assert boat," yet highly lucrative trade. Consider hypothetical: brings diversity suit David, damages trespass injunction trespass. awards Peter. post-trial motions, district judge refuses enter injunction; instead, orders new concludes improper hearsay Peter's lawyer advises him chances retrial slim; hearsay, virtually key element He pursue 1292(a). decides bother case; files stipulated Civil 41(a)(1). Thereafter, notice appeal, contending verdict. about mootness, issue, vacate Can throw ear? significant extended WHITE. illuminate control There, York Stubbs second offender, allegedly Tennessee denial habeas, invalid; accordingly, mandate, habeas corpus, ordering resentenced released. Before issued, complied resentencing Stubbs. because, reimpose (As happened, first, rendered; thus, leaving punishment.) absolutely resentence release him; option, letting rest suggests Speedy Trial Act, 3161(e) (1976 ed., Supp. V), somehow this. doubtful, "final" 3161(d)(2); alternatively, constitute "other proceedings defendant" 3161(h)(1). again." disclaimed intention retrying 175, hardly contends, 2475-2576, 2; cite jury; "amend" omitting trial. unsurprising certainly contradict Bain's statement live, sine qua closest granting narro ly searches: "Travellers crossing international boundary national self entering identify himself in, belongings effects lawfully brought in." (1925). stressed uniqueness border-search repeatedly pointed rationale acceptably applied situation: "It intolerable agent chance liquor using inconvenience indignity search. [T]hose country, interruption competent believing merchandise." 153-154, 285. also, e.g., 272-274, 2539-2540, Accordingly, correctly—does bearing instances, sharing features 2587-2588, 3083, 656-657, 1397-1398, (1979); 603-605. occur regular crossing. W. LaFave, Search Seizure 10.5(d), (e) (1978); 2581, (1975) (Government's power, any, affect citizens mistaken aliens). represent insistence loosed populace "[i]n pedigree." 592; 584-587. presumed constitutional. theory adjudication, analysis self-refuting. quoted 584, terms 164 By contrast, "reason wares, duty concealed." 48, 170 added); Carroll, 150-151, 284. searches, checks. 585-586, 4. ship, "free cabin, vessel." Unless (with express searches) 31's applying country—as indicates. section's wait reached statute, Thus, recognized 505, 737; 521, 528-529, 742, 745 Where, then, "impressive pedigree"? Since suppress smuggling, geographically capable obey. automobiles, 'grave danger' disappear numerous instances police-citizen contact. '[I]f intrudes suffers government's motivation investigate breaches regulatory standards.' 662, quoting Marshall Barlow's, Inc., 307, 312-313, 1816, 1820, 305 (1978). disparages significance turned business smuggling. 592, 6. post hoc reasoning, justifying results, warned. 565, 3086. warrantless residence being enterprise. argues impossible 589. Assuming true, waterways Channel. why, subjected neutral selection harassment. 663-664, 1401 (BLACKMUN, Glen-Archila, 677 809, 813-814 (CA11 1982); Green, 671 46, 53-54 Blair 665 500, 505 (CA4 1981); Streifel, 414, 424 (CA2 D'Antignac, 628 428, 1980); Williams, 1063, 1077, 1085 Zurosky, 614 779, 790 1979); Serrano, 1145, 1149 Castro, 674, 675-676 Whitmire, 595 1303, 1306 1979).

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