Document: 509 U.S. 544 113 S.Ct. 2766 125 L.Ed.2d 441 Ferris J. ALEXANDER, Sr., Petitionerv.UNITED STATES. No. 91-1526. Argued Jan. 12, 1993. Decided June 28, Syllabus * After a full criminal trial, petitioner, the owner of numerous businesses dealing in sexually explicit materials, was convicted of, inter alia, violating federal obscenity laws and Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). The convictions, based on finding that seven items sold at several stores were obscene, predicates for his RICO convictions. In addition to imposing prison term fine, District Court ordered as punishment violations, forfeit almost $9 million acquired through racketeering activity. affirming forfeiture order, Appeals rejected petitioner's arguments RICO's provisions constitute prior restraint speech are overbroad. court also held did not violate Eighth Amendment, concluding proportionality review is required any sentence less than life imprisonment without possibility parole. It consider whether disproportionate or "excessive." Held: 1. provisions, applied here, First Amendment. Pp. ____. (a) here permissible punishment, speech. distinction between restraints subsequent punishments solidly grounded this Court's cases. "prior restraint" describes orders forbidding certain communications issued before occur. See e.g., Near v. Minnesota ex rel. Olson, 283 697, 51 625, 75 L.Ed. 1357. However, order imposes no legal impediment ability engage expressive activity; it just prevents him from financing those activities with assets derived offenses. oblivious nonexpressive nature forfeited. Petitioner's forfeited because they directly related past thus differ material seized restrained suspicion being obscene judicial determination, occurred in, Marcus Search Warrant, 367 717, 81 1708, 6 1127. Nor requisite procedural safeguards. Fort Wayne Books, Inc. Indiana, 489 46, 109 916, 103 34, distinguished. His claim inconsistent Arcara Cloud Inc., 478 106 3172, 92 568, which closure an adult bookstore under general nuisance statute improper restraint. definition would undermine time-honored barring future penalizing (b) Since does criminalize constitutionally protected speech, materially different statutes issue overbreadth Cf., Board Airport Comm'rs Los Angeles Jews Jesus, 482 569, 574-575, 107 2568, 2572, 96 500. addition, threat has more "chilling" effect free expression threats large constitutional Books. can be said offend Amendment Arcara's analysis sanctions some incidental subject scrutiny where conduct drew remedy, U.S., 706-707, S.Ct., 3177. While drawing remed may have been expressive, "obscenity" regulated actually proscribed consistent see, Roth United States, 354 476, 485, 77 1304, 1309, 1 1498. 2. case remanded forfeiture, considered atop "excessive" within meaning Excessive Fines Clause challenge statement applies only Amendment's prohibition against "cruel unusual punishments." limits Government's power extract payments offense, personam clearly form monetary different, purposes, traditional "fine." question excessive must light extensive petitioner apparently conducted enormous enterprise over substantial period time rather number materials found obscene. 943 F.2d 825 (CA8 1991), vacated remanded. REHNQUIST, C.J., delivered opinion Court, WHITE, O'CONNOR, SCALIA, THOMAS, JJ., joined. SOUTER, J., filed concurring judgment part dissenting part. KENNEDY, opinion, BLACKMUN STEVENS, joined, Part II John H. Weston, Beverly Hills, CA, petitioner. Kenneth W. Starr, Washington, DC, respondent. Chief Justice REHNQUIST Court. Alexander, dozen theaters on, 17 counts 3 jury's findings four magazines three videotapes served forfeit, pursuant 18 U.S.C. § 1963 (1988 ed. Supp. III), activity violations. Petitioner argues violated Amendments Constitution. We reject claims but remand reconsideration challenge. 2 so-called "adult entertainment" business 30 years, selling pornographic sexual paraphernalia, showing movies, eventually renting similar nature. He received shipments these warehouse Minneapolis, Minnesota, wrapped plastic, priced, boxed. then products 13 retail cities, generating millions dollars annual revenues. 1989, authorities 41-count indictment others, alleging, operation violation RICO. charged 34 counts, predicated charges. tax evasion offenses relevant questions us. Following 4-month jury trial States substantive offenses: 12 transporting interstate commerce purpose sale distribution, 1465; 5 engaging material, 1466 III). convictions: one count receiving using income pattern activity, 1962(a); conducting enterprise, 1962(c); conspiring 1962(d). As basis determined Multiple copies videos, graphically depicted variety "hard core" acts, distributed throughout entertainment empire. 4 sentenced total six years prison, fined $100,000, pay cost prosecution, incarceration, supervised release. punishments, reconvened same proceeding 1963(a)(2). At proceeding, Government sought real estate represented interest 1963(a)(2)(A), property afforded influence 1963(a)(2)(D), proceeds had obtained offenses, §§ 1963(a)(1), (3). 10 pieces commercial 31 current former businesses, all used enterprise. Sitting jury, result activities. ultimately wholesale (including businesses) moneys activity.1 affirmed order. Alexander Thornburgh, 1991). argument application constituted hence Recognizing well-established "a penalty imposed following conviction engaged activities," Id., 834. overbroad, pointing out properly limited linked 835. Lastly, concluded punishments" "excessive fines." so ruling, however, grossly excessive, believing " 'does require parole.' 836 (quoting Pryba, 900 748, 757 (CA4), cert. denied, 498 924, 111 305, 112 258 (1990)). granted certiorari, 505 ----, 3024, 120 895 (1992). first contends case, effectively shut down business, un onstitutional punishment. According when solely upon previous operates prohibits presumptively retaliation unprotected Practically speaking, argues, injunction prohibiting publication 1357 (1931). puts it, see Brief 25, complete ban disagree. By lumping after enjoining stretches well beyond established by our To accept virtually obliterate distinction, cases, punishments. 7 "to describe administrative advance such occur." M. Nimmer, Nimmer Freedom Speech 4.03, p. 4-14 (1984) (emphasis added). Temporary restraining permanent injunctions—i.e., forbid activities—are classic examples restraints. id., 4-16. This understanding what constitutes borne even relies. supra, we invalidated perpetually enjoined named party, who published newspaper containing articles state statute, producing "malicious, scandalous defamatory" publication. Near, therefore, involved true speech—a injunction. So, too, Organization Better Austin Keefe, 402 415, 91 1575, 29 (1971), Vance Universal Amusement Co., 445 308, 100 1156, 63 413 (1980) (per curiam), two other cases cited "enjoining petitioners distributing leaflets anywhere town Westchester, Illinois." 1576 And Vance, struck Texas authorized courts, films shown past, indefinite duration exhibition yet 311, 1158-1159. New York Times Co. 403 713, 714, 2140, 2141, 822 (1971) curiam) (Government enjoin Pentagon Papers). 8 contrast, future, nor obtain approval deprives specific Assuming, course, he sufficient untainted open new stores, restock inventory, hire staff, go back into tomorrow, sell many likes, risk contempt Unlike injunctions to—no —petitioner's acti ity chooses. perfectly otherwise production distribution erotic materials; cannot finance enterprises 9 infirmity nearly involving including dissent rely, post, ____, retrained suspected determination fact so. See, 1127 (1961); Bantam Sullivan, 372 58, 83 631, 584 (1963); A Quantity Copies Books Kansas, 378 205, 84 1723, 809 (1964); Roaden Kentucky, 496, 93 2796, 37 (1973); supra. believed calls financial role play forfeited; books, sports cars, narcotics, cash forfeitable alike Indeed, contrary scheme disastrous policy standpoint, enabling racketeers evade investing their crimes according safeguards, another recurring theme Contrasting (1989), aptly illustrates point. grounds pretrial seizure "no probable cause believe occurred." 66, 929 original). holding, emphasized there "determination 'obscene' ha[d] Ibid. "[M]ere transpired," said, "is adequate remove books circulation." Here, premature, reasonable doubt forfeiture. merits charges during proved commission 11 operated unconstitutional decision 568 (1986). sustained closed place prostitution lewdness. rejecting out-of-hand amounted stated: "The differs significant respects. First, impose dissemination particular since respondents carry bookselling location, if locations difficult find. Second, prohibited—indeed, imposition nothing do all." 705-706, n. 2, 3177, reasoning equal force confirms conduct. attempts distinguish ground obscenity, unlike lewdness, 'a element.' 16 Arcara, 706, 3177). But bearing impermissible 14 Finally, proposed doctrine originated common law England, press permitted, was. very principle freedom long ago Grosjean American Press 297 233, 246, 56 444, 447, 80 660 (1936). given broader English law,2 decisions steadfastly preserved Though tries dismiss "neither meaningful useful," 29, think critical jurisprudence. Because interpreted providing greater protection Southeastern Promotions, Ltd. Conrad, 420 546, 558-559, 95 1239, 1246-1247, 43 448 (1975), important us delineate precision defining characteristics hold exact opposite effect: blur line separating degree impossible determine certainty measure not. 15 sum, fidelity requires analyze restraint, normal standards. So analyzing find falls short mark. either 6-year jail $100,000 fine violative inquiry comes mind, then, why, incarceration e forms challenged Our support instinct arises; establish quite prohibit stringent challenges severe sentences fines Ginzburg 383 463, 464-465, 86 942, 944, (1966); Smith 431 291, 296, 3, 97 1756, 1762, 52 324 (1977); 59, 8, 925, 8. holding cases; instead materials. acknowledges unprecedented use principle. 36. "overbreadth" doctrine, departure rules standing, permits defendant make facial overly broad restricting himself could narrowly drawn statute. Broadrick Oklahoma, 601, 612-613, 2908, 2916, 830 City Council Taxpayers Vincent, 466 789, 798-801, 104 2118, 2125-2127, 772 (1984). therefore 500 (1987). complaint applying deterring others No monetarily induce cautious booksellers practice self-censorship marginally shelves fear them made argument, language: "[D]eterence legitimate end antiobscenity laws, recognized practical reality 'any applicable bookseller will tendency inhibitory obscene.' 60, 925-926 California, 361 147, 154-155, 215, 219, 205 (1959)). 19 dispositive chilling fine. Each charge exposes maximum 20 years' up $250,000. 1963(a) Needless say, prospect lengthy far powerful deterrent sort Cf. Blanton North Las Vegas, 538, 542, 1289, 1292, 550 (1989) (loss liberty sanction). Similarly, hundred thousand certainly fa al most businesses—and, such, self-censorship—as assets. Yet penalties closing entire 707, Once again, case; fact, concedes for, narcotic ("forfeiture media purchased drug cartel permissible"). insists should predicate acts civil having "only element remedy place, [United v.] O'Brien, [391 367, 88 1673, 672 (1968) ] inevitable singling Minneapolis Star [& Tribune Comm'r Revenue, 460 575, 1365, 295 (1983) ]." 3177 (footnote omitted). Applying standard, involve neither situation, implicated enforcement health regulation resulting bookstore. Under sure, "drew remedy" here—racketeering committed violations —may "expressive," R.A.V. St. Paul, 2538, 305 (1992), 1498 (1957); Miller 15, 23, 2607, 2614, 419 (1973). 21 Confronted challenges—petitioner's position boils this: stiff Amendment; conduct; combination somehow results counter-intuitive conclusion, say whole sum parts. 22 fine—is gravity violates punishment" fine."3 40. Appeals, though, failed components Instead, lumped together, disposing both F.2d, 836. relevance cruel Cruel Unusual Punishments Clause, concerned matters conditions confinement, "[t]he Fine payments, kind, offense." --- ---- - 2801, 2805-2806, (1993) internal quotation marks omitted); accord, Browning-Ferris Industries Vermont, Kelco Disposal, 492 257, 265, 2909, 2915, 219 ("[A]t drafting ratification [Eighth] word 'fine' understood mean payment sovereign offense"); 6, 6. Accord Austin, supra.4 Accordingly, analyzed Clause. 23 "[o]n few decided obscene." somewhat misleading, think, characterize creating managing described "an enterprise." App. Pet. Cert. 160. considered. preferable addressed instance. 24 For reasons, resulted vacate further proceedings opinion. 25 ordered. 26 27 I agree demonstrated qualifies traditionally term. Nonetheless, KENNEDY forbids absence adjudication character, join 28 whom STEVENS join, SOUTER joins II, dissenting. today embraces rule affront destruction book film its inventory single offense. Until now thought browse store proprietor chosen each item avoid hole indeed itself. ominous, onerous undermines principles essential personal freedom. Obscenity work unless offender arrested imprisoned despite chill own But, least today, action directed works themselves raise distinct concerns. grave repudiation principles, respect dissent. A. 32 majority believes "establish conduct." Ante, True, punished, proper limitations, Ferber, 458 747, 102 3348, 73 1113 (1982); Paris Adult Theater Slaton, 49, 57-58, 2628, 2635, 446 (1957). correct note upheld terms laws. (1989); (1966). little titles facilities None address matter, unnecessary reserve Terms 65, 928. 33 fundamental defect majority's failure recognize equated terms. Noting ponders why different. ante, answer Congress' design consequences. (RICO) passed eradicate infiltration organized crime. Pub.L. 91-452, Title IX, Stat. 941, amended, 1961-1968 Earlier steps combat crime successful, targeted individuals Punishing break cycle resources replace recruits. passing RICO, Congress adopted approach aimed economic roots crime: 35 "What needed . approaches deal individuals, base serious well-being Nation. short, attack source itself, take available fronts." S.Rep. 91-617, 79 (1969). 36 Criminal liability premised "pattern activity," defined 10-year period. 1961(5). subjects violator traditional, though stringent, terms, mandatory 1963.1 here. remedies employed increasing frequency proceedings, historic disfavor country. Although law, Calero-Toledo Pearson Yacht Leasing 416 663, 682-683, 94 2080, 2091, 40 452 (1974), like unknown system until enactment 1970. C. Wright, Federal Practice Procedure 125.1, 389 (2d 1982). Section 1963's novel punitive character sweep. Civil rem contraband put unlawful use, broadest reach, traceable Parcel Land, Buena Vista Ave., Runson, 507 1126, 122 469 (1993); Palmyra, Wheat. 1, 14-15, 531 (1827). Extending proceeds, mandates constituting defendant's "interest enterprise" affording "source influence" 1963(a). decision, acknowledged novelty scheme, stating provide "new weapons scope assault roots." Russello 464 16, 26, 302, 78 (1983). 38 enacted 1970, endemic 1961(1). When amended 1984 include comment debate implications change. Oct. 1984, 98-473, 98 2143. consequence adding offense statutory designed curtail kind went render vulnerable government daring unrestrained weapon lost Executive Branch, quick means opportunity move types disfavored Attorney General's Commission Pornography soon advocated "substantially handicap" "eliminate" pornography businesses. Dept. Justice, Pornography, Final Report comments illustrate, concerns raised destructive capacity co cerns methods 39 says that, taken (1986) dispose argument. while instructive, dispositive. patterned great severity. booksellers, necessary conventional prohibitions. 925. infringed regarded equivalent enhancement multiple accepted legitimacy. 59-60, penal forfeitures, official expression. Further, unavoidable regulation, alarming pervasive danger censorship, issue, submit, confront. requiring temporary sanction occurring premises. collateral affect interests concern. followed "manifest[ing] absolutely expression." 705, 3176. That prosecution targeting class itself suffices instant Arcara. There classes close line, entitled protections Speiser Randall, 357 513, 525, 1332, 1341, 1460 (1958). equated, unfortunate analysis, mandating destruction. B 41 occupy high assuming defender warns disparage reason it. reveals, adjusted meet protection, artifice categories. admitted overt destroy titles, depriving public access lawful theory. censorship too real. 42 Relying labels dismisses constitutionality rigid precise bear weight places n sustain simple, blatant form, submission grant deny permission utter publish contents. Staub Baxley, 355 313, 322, 277, 282, 302 (1958); Joseph Burstyn, Wilson, 343 495, 503, 72 777, 781, 1098 (1952); 222, 1731, (1964) (Harlan, dissenting); pp. contrast punish unlawful. Kingsley Brown, 436, 440-442, 1325, 1327-1328, 1469 mechanism, once imposed, abridge direct way suppressing indirect dissemination, 3176-3177; (1975); 1327-1328. explained "[b]ehind theory deeply etched law: society prefers abuse rights throttle beforehand." 559, 1246. 44 suggested slight utility, 4.04, 4-18 4-25, sense every caution speaker exercise imposition. 324, 1165-1166, (WHITE, dissenting, joined J.); Jeffries, Rethinking Prior Restraint, Yale L.J. 409, 437 (1982). self-defining. One problem, governmental actions historical example Hugh Singleton 1579 enraged Elizabeth printing tract. F. Siebert, 1476-1776, 91-92 (1952). condemned lose right hand, visiting disability encumbering printing. appears carried out, occur together. Despite concurrent kinds prohibitions persists instructive inquire 45 Early tradition oft passage William Blackstone's 18th-century Commentaries Laws England. observed follows: 46 state; consists laying publications, censure matter published. Every freeman undoubted lay sentiments pleases public: this, press: publishes improper, mischievous, illegal, temerity." Blackstone, *151-*152. 47 Blackstone compiling come distrust restraints, accompanying condemnation explanation lies circumstance centuries wrote, licensing, Crown Parliament controlled press. 56-63, 68-74 principal control press, follows unyielding populace devote efforts avoiding repealing restrictions form. 48 Even replacing earlier schemes mechanism Whether apparent tolerance acceptance existed grasp potential measures posed liberty, both, sweep commented flagrant know understand freedoms. beginning Republic, James Madison argued adoption Said Madison: "this idea never it" inflicting authorizing Writings 386 (G. Hunt 1906). 49 alien sedition early history unhappy testament allure restrictive governments tempted publications people. earliest tended repeat suggestion sole concern protections. Patterson Colorado General Colorado, 454, 462, 556, 558, 879 (1907); Robertson Baldwin, 165 275, 281, 326, 329, 715 (1897). time, notion freedoms Constitution coextensive liberties 248-249, 448-449, From came conclusion Blackstonian publication." Chaplinsky Hampshire, 315 572, 62 766, 769, 1031 (1942). 50 developed, confined simpler forms, outright licensing takes place. considering deviating posing dangers freedoms, extended latitude, toward declaring fall presumption invalidity. evident (1931), leading invoked invalidate injunctive decree. abate 'malicious, defamatory newspaper, magazine periodical.' 701-702, 626. suit brought attorney Hennepin County various editions Saturday standard. 703-705, 626-627. Citing inst nce 627. paralleled announce later might presumes contravention publisher, wrongs, subjected active intervention embodied "the essence censorship." 630. confirmed enough condemn "empowered courts issues offensive." 445, 1330. Indeed adopting speech-protective retribution speaker's transgressions. (invalidating procedure theater exhibited prevent exhibitions pictures obscene). flat misreading precedents declare includes "legal impediment," 70, 639, (1963), best warn sellers implying prosecutions follow warnings heeded. formal powers heed "system restraints." 639. said: "We look substance informal sufficiently inhibit circulation warrant relief." 67, 637-638. If mere warning fail physical doctrinal principles. 53 wonders today's done faced extend conception doctrine. view formalistic advances likely Near's pleas "blur not." ignored, applicability depends alone name called, suppression 708, 628 ("the regard accordance familiar statute[s] tes ed [their] effect"). Daily Mail Publishing 443 97, 101, 99 2667, 2670, 61 399 (1979) (the viewed "as sanction"); 552-553, 1243 (challenged "indistinguishable censoring effect" consistently identified restraints); Schneider State (Town Irvington), 308 161, 60 146, 151, 155 (1939) ("In legislative abridgement [First Amendment] asserted, astute examine legislation"). 54 identify progression jurisprudence try ways subvert systems respond making extent question. dangers. response submitted censor encompasses threaten bar infraction. 55 method unmistakable concludes endangered suffice. sphere defeated simple expedient punishing lieu before. 101-102, 2670; Thornhill Alabama, 310 88, 736, 743-744, 1093 (1940). instances inform cases: evils unacceptable heavy ordinary sanctions. government's stated incapacitate offending bears striking resemblance motivation Near. "not sense, periodical." 711, 629. context odd apply implemented deter 'incapacitate, corrupting channels commerce.' 303, quoting 116 Cong.Rec. 18955 (1970) (remarks sponsor Sen. McClellan). Alexander's ought blind stake adopts, conviction. 57 Assuming nonspeech-related conduct, "Our furnish devices doctrines, applications Constitution, settings inhibiting expression[.]" 150-151, 217, (1959). often separated "dim uncertain line," accomplished "procedures ensure curtailment 637. "vulnerable gravely damaging barely visible encroachments," ibid., sensitive task regulating 1341-1342. 58 Whatever label effective, innovative, draconian, exacting application. What happening simple: destroyed content owner's permit burden taint. sale, 1963(a)(1)-(3). exposure massive Aptly described, "arm prosecutors scalpels excise portions bookstore's sickles mow undesired use." 85, 939 (STEVENS, part). 59 individual transgressions authority suppress accomplish seizing presumed along instruments threatening disabling measures. Pittsburgh Comm'n Human Relations, 376, 390, 2553, 2561, 669 (1973) special vice inducing speaker, Amendment). thought, inquiry, discussion interference guidance state, confidence institutions devoted written essential. erodes perceived speakers errant past. Independence compromised perhaps censorial cast. recognized, not, vital difference Where seeks ecause surmise, absent evidence selective abolishing outlet Where, stems serves purging organized-crime taint, speech-related motive going supervision justifies protection. Free invalid. concern; (1993). whether, my that. mandated Quite apart adjudged parallel stark discussed above, supra inapposite. unconvincing burdened closure, saying owners "remain [and remains acquire] location." choices reason: inventory. confiscation case. Here consisted hundreds original thousands copies, ones so, destroyed. 64 interim seizures used, careful "[W]hile Fourth contraband, instrumentalities, ., involved." 63, 927. 65-66, 928-929; Lo-Ji Sales, York, 442 319, 5, 2319, 2324, 920 constraints searches materials). 65 731-733, 1716-1717, (1961), invalida mass allegedly achieved vague unspecific. safeguards assure nonobscene entitled. fashion 211-213, 1726-1727, alleged hearing, examination titles. behind accorded Maryland Macon, 472 470, 105 2778, 2782, 370 (1985), circumstances presented character. 66 search title become seizable tainted proximity shelf another. seizures, altogether taint violation. attempting holdings so." present fails explain fatal review. Thus, removal circulation, approves effect. view, unconstitutional. 67 68 Given interpose objection remanding consideration reach reverse deplorable abandonment syllabus prepared Reporter Decisions convenience reader. Detroit Lumber 200 321, 337, 287, 499. Not wishing materials—regardless legally obscene—the better members public. 26-27, 11. 16th- 17th-century censorship. system, presses printers licensed government, lawfully church censor. generally T. Emerson, System Expression 504 (1970). Beginning expanded prepublication review, judges. 389-390, 2560-2561, ("[T]he barred [T]he boldly stepped narrow "). obviously, countenanced essentially limitless expansion proposes. disproportionality animates much well. Questions proportionality, dealt forthrightly allowed sub silentio courts' analysis. involves threshold concerning provides section 1962, district shall assets: "(1) person maintained 1962; "(2) — "(A) in; "(B) security of; "(C) against; "(D) contractual over; established, operated, controlled, conducted, participated "(3) constituting, from, obtained, indirectly, debt collection 1962."

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