Document: 365 U.S. 399 81 S.Ct. 567 5 L.Ed.2d 633 Frank WILKINSON, Petitioner,v.UNITED STATES. No. 37. Argued Nov. 17, 1960. Decided Feb. 27, 1961. Rehearing Denied April See 890, 1024. Mr. Rowland Watts, Baltimore, Md., for petitioner. Kevin T. Maroney, Washington, D.C., respondent. Justice STEWART delivered the opinion of Court. 1 The petitioner was convicted having unlawfully refused to answer a question pertinent matter under inquiry before subcommittee House Committee on Un-American Activities at hearing in Atlanta, Georgia, July 30, 1958.1 His conviction affirmed by Court Appeals, which held that our decision Barenblatt v. United States, 360 109, 79 1081, 3 1115, 'controlling.' 272 F.2d 783. We granted certiorari, 362 926, 80 755, 4 745 consider petitioner's claim Appeals had misconceived meaning decision. For reasons follow, we are view correct, and its judgment must be affirmed. I. 2 following circumstances were established uncontroverted evidence trial: is standing committee Representatives, elected commencement each Congress.2 Committee, or any thereof, authorized investigate '(i) extent, character, objects un-American propaganda activities (ii) diffusion within States subversive instigated from foreign countries domestic origin attacks principle form government as guaranteed Constitution, (iii) all other questions relation thereto would aid Congress necessary remedial legislation.'3 In spring 1958 passed resolution providing 'relating subjects legislative purposes indicated: '1. character Communist colonization infiltration textile basic industries located South, Party purpose being: 6 '(a) To obtain additional information use consideration Section 16 H.R. 9352, relating proposed amendment Control Act 1954, prescribing penalty knowingly wilfully becoming remaining member with knowledge objectives thereof; 7 '(b) information, adding Committee's overall subject so may kept informed thus prepared enact legislation National Defense, internal security, when if exigencies situation require it. 8 '2. Entry dissemination propaganda, being determine necessity for, advisability of, amendments Foreign Agents Registration designed more effectively counteract schemes devices now used avoiding prohibitions Act. 9 '3. Any jurisdiction it, appointed conduct this hearing, designate.' 10 pursuant convened Atlanta 29, 1958. At opening proceedings day, Chairman orally summarized hearings. present heard Chairman's statement. 11 first witness appear Amendo Penha, who testified he been 1950 1958, joined request Federal Bureau Investigation. He stated served Textile Commission Party, which, said, set up control supervise industry, particularly South. described 'colonizer' system, involves sending hard-core members into plants jobs where they have close contact rank-and-file workers. Penha some detail his trips throughout South compliance instructions Commission, identified number individuals 'colonizers.' Another witness, Deputy Collector Customs, influx sent abroad Several witnesses then interrogated, their alleged colonizers, others connection certain allegedly Communist-controlled publications. A these declined most put them. 12 On day Carl Braden. Although interrogated length activity.4 next After sworn stating name give residence address, that, 'As conscience personal responsibility, I refuse committee.' When asked occupation, made same response. become indictment conviction: 'Mr. Wilkinson, you Party?' question, giving response before. 13 Staff Director addressed length, explanation 'of reasons, pertinency, relevancy propose propound you.'5 14 'I am refusing directed Subcommittee membership. This time responded follows: 15 challenge, fundamental sense, legality Activities. It my stands direct violation mandate practices Constitution. belief no authority establish instance, nor instruct it has. utmost respect broad powers carry investigations purposes. However, Supreme has be, cannot an area legislate, tends, practices, precisely those areas free speech, religion, peaceful association assembly, press, wherein legislate therefore investigate.' 17 continued. read part record earlier California, knowing Communist. whether testimony true. several further him. There introduced reproduction registration hotel week earlier, indicated business firm 'Emergency Civil Liberties Committee.' 18 subsequent based upon refusal, foregoing context, single 'Are II. 19 affirming attacked here different directions. contended without interrogate him, because doing public opposition itself harass expose argued wrongly not subcommittee, element statutory offense lacking. said event pertinency clear denied due process. Finally, urged action subpoenaing questioning him violated rights First Amendment 20 considering contentions starting point subcommittee's inquiry. Rule XI, confers investigative subcommittees, quoted above. Because breadth generality language, XI state adequate precision given hearing. occasion out Watkins 354 178, 77 1173, 1273. also 116—117, 1087—1088, 1115. But, recognized, only one possible points reference. case '(t)he authorizing resolution, remarks chairman committee, even nature themselves' might reveal page 209, 1190. Here, Barenblatt, sources do supply requisite concreteness. 21 explicit. clearly forth three concrete investigation: industry States.6 pattern interrogation appeared confirms pursuing investigation. Director's statement explicitly referred second subjects—Communist think establishes least two related specific southern country. 22 If these, then, inquiry, answered several. First, investigation subjects, through petitioner, Congress? Second, valid purpose? Third, investigation? Fourth, contemporaneously apprised question? Fifth, did violate speech? 23 congressional authorization decided supra. after reviewing genesis history '(I)t can hardly seriously generally, attendant compulsory process, beyond purview intended XI.' pages 120—121, 1089. surely fall 'the generally.' 24 argues, however, inspired reason existence itself, unauthorized harassment exposure. mentioned activity against fact subpoenaed soon arrived stir activities, indicating awareness efforts develop 'hostile sentiment' 'bring pressure preclude particular hearings.' 25 just supra, could find nothing exclude field education authority, indicate intent immunize (and there many) opposed Committee. 26 Nor say purpose. above, expressly proposals, § 50 U.S.C.A. 843 1938, 611 et seq. presence hearings contained lengthy discussion legislation.7 discussed consideration.8 All And determination kind unassailably cornerstone supra: 'That wide power Country, appropriate debatable. such never questioned Court, sufficient say, particularization, enacted considered range measures, few stemmed recommendations very whose actions drawn here. last analysis rests right self-preservation * *.' 127—128, 1093. 27 contention while generally purpose, sole interrogating censure persuasive. true reveals indicates summoned until representative group carrying campaign abolish These circumstances, necessarily lead conclusion persecution As noted, prime entirely logical subpoena site hearings, registered believed dominated, conducted subcommittee. come illustrates point, thought connected inquiry—Communist 28 Moreover, us speculate motivations prompted individual summon Watkins, 'a solution problem found testing motives Such function. Their alone vitiate instituted assembly's served.' 200, 1186. 132, 1096. 29 emphasized result indiscriminate dragnet procedure, lacking probable cause possessed helpful trial, believe active leader engaged primarily activities.9 borne including content prior member. 30 merits extended discussion. Indeed, difficult imagine preliminary topics than Party. 'petitioner own affiliations, course doubt.' 125, 1092. equally foundation. gave detailed question's entertained doubt score.10 31 finally Amendment. issues raises thoroughly canvassed Barenblatt. Substantially applicable here, serve enlarge paraphrased repetition what thoughtfully carefully expressed. 125—134, 1092—1097. 32 sought differentiate basis participating consisted criticism attempts influence petition redress—to But simply moment lawful conduct, therewith investigated. reasonable ground suppose member, substantially makes clear, involved, momentary legitimate illegitimate politically, Government's overbalancing interest. 'To suggest sponsor peaceable political reforms constitutional should judged ordinary party standpoint national ask blind world affairs determined whole policy since World War II 128—129, 1094. 33 interest happened engaged, but manipulation organizations persons advocating overthrow Government. 'The strict requirements prosecution Smith measure permissible scope 'overthrow,' investigatory process proceed step step.' 130, 1095. 34 conclude claims pressed indistinguishable reasoning prevail. 35 Affirmed. 36 BLACK, whom THE CHIEF JUSTICE DOUGLAS concur, dissenting. 37 announced intention series ostensibly function Representatives.1 Petitioner, long-time opponent Committee,2 go lending support fighting Emergency New York organization working abolition Within hour registration, requiring appearance subpoena, told 'you developing hostile sentiment work undertaking bring hearings.'3 beliefs associations, this, U.S.C. 192, 192 sentenced jail months. guishable.' Unlike majority, regard recognition unlimited sweep compelling reason, reaffirm case, overrule 38 view, majority today places stamp approval practice inconsistent indeed every ideal freedom country long stood, ever For, like DOUGLAS, less attempt contempt Representatives weapon dare criticize does and, deny inescapable anyone will take record.5 They instead difference harassing solely 'it petitioner.' thrust sweeping abdication judicial continue opponents absolute impunity 'protections' observed. Since rule permitted operate, fairness future wish exercise forth. 39 'protection' relates call Is limitation compel it? relying previous paid informant statements counsel effect says simply: 'It subcommittee.' Significantly, how much 'emphasis' worth, anything. Thus, appears opinion, assurance required produce prerequisite powers. Assuming sake argument, requirement imposed, becomes relevant inquire mean terms genuine protection good faith 40 That is, mind, satisfactorily settled look facts case. So far record, emerges flat conclusory so.6 No happenings rationally conjunction accorded opportunity cross-examine informant7 statute permitting inspection F.B.I. informants,8 seems obvious me almost totally worthless establishing cause. know, her indeed, possibility perjury cannot, frequent recurrence sorts cases,9 discounted. afforded sort cause, worthless. atmosphere existing today, charge someone common life escapes Every has, another, designated. vast branches Government fared better. mere called satisfy plain wholly value. impose apparent respectability inherently conflict concepts justice 41 critics decisions included majority's so-called balancing test. Under test, told, permit abridgments associations believes important need outweighs public.10 part, see little high-sounding slogan really affords. holding while, time, disclaims interested all. truth applied date, means engage happens possibly 'purpose' not. tests legitimacy area, first-year law school student worth salt construct rationalization justify time. 42 real self-restraint, characteristic probably predominant over past years. takes position contrary Comittee realize runs risk off place, minute life, repeat gossip about friends acquaintances, accused membership traitor, jailed refuses cooperate probe mind branded neighbors, employer erstwhile menace society regardless outcome With powerful hands, quite likely weather criticism, though justifiable, toward many people courage speak formidable opponent. cf. Uphaus Wyman, 364 388, 153, 148. trend continues, already small dwindle ranks thinned jails. consent disappear replaced intimidation afraid survive unless aside freedoms will. 43 reiterate tragically wrong. built men preserved men.11 Our unequivocal terms, gives fear well allow governmental reject order preserve existence. Least privilege Americanism protected, committees persecute unorthodox minorities, adherence principles responsible Nation's greatness. Those embodied care Bill Rights. preventing suppression upholds ineffectiveness end stems, lack principles, refusal apply stated. precise mandatory assembly effective protection. Where left depend balance struck liberty survive. rule, 'balanced' away. 44 BLACK 45 him: 46 suggestion anticipation Indeed subpenaed learned town actually Atlanta. 47 'Now, sir, tell not, oath, Communist, intend pursue undertake solicit respecting your behalf tied directly Kremlin; propaganda; destroy Investigation Activities, issued report entitled 'Operation Abolition,' something, possessed, guiding light, discredit director hamstring 48 'So principal interest—which vital necessity, indeed—to protect America flag you, 49 'Now please question: Are Petitioner answered, 51 answer. replied: 52 investigate.'1 53 Committee2 Resolution governing make States.' 54 'un-American' criticize, impeach, berate seek abolished, acted asking questions. dangerous leap reach Resolution. 55 Criticism finds sanctuary portions speech. embraces press. Can editors account editorials denouncing tactics, policies? concerning why immune. list evident editorial protests activities,3 recent film, Operation Abolition.4 56 involved speech Bringing together assemblies category. De Jonge State Oregon, 299 353, 57 255, L.Ed. 278. cognate press fundamental.' Id., 364, 260. 'for redress grievances' Amendment; too idea government, republican form.' Cruikshank, 92 542, 552, 588. Chief Hughes, speaking involving communist charged said: greater importance safeguarding community incitements institutions force violence, imperative inviolate maintain discussion, responsive changes, desired, obtained means. Therein lies security Republic, foundation government.' 365, 58 construe narrowly customarily done insisting 'an dubious limits' Resolution, unequivocally authorize Rumely, 345 41, 46, 73 543, 546, 97 770; Harriss, 347 612, 74 808, 98 989; 198, 1184, 59 failure contexts appropriate. central aim finding citizen making gist presented jury.5 60 man prison months hold both constitutional. assuming flout 61 BRENNAN, joins, 62 Brother DOUGLAS' dissenting Braden 431, 446, 584, 593, 653, joined, failed lay claimed, concerned protected 63 dissent inference dominant gather evaluation rather scant grounds claimed instance. interim afford hope repented, contrast, Flaxer 358 147, 151, 191, 193, 183, cited continued proclaim hostility expression. testify express work, as, course, do. fact, came perilously admitting, cross-examination counsel, stand activities. 64 confine themselves gathering begins touch realm opinion. help concluding prospect questions, accordingly gathering. forced power. Cf. 166, 1113, 1115 (dissenting opinion); 72, 82, 1040, 1047, 1090 opinion). reverse. 192. provides: 'Every person either papers House, joint concurrent Houses Congress, willfully default, who, appeared, shall deemed guilty misdemeanor, punishable fine $1,000 $100 imprisonment month twelve months.' X Standing Rules amended Legislative Reorganization 1946, c. 753, 121, Stat. 812, 822, 823. (60 823, 828). specifically adopted beginning 85th 1957 (H.Res. 5, Cong., 1st Sess.). 653. you; laying major responsibilities perform 'Responsibility 1, continuing surveillance administration operation laws. discharge responsibility keep abreast techniques Communists' operations States. know techniques, got Communists doing. 2, factual assist appraising proposals committee. 'There pending adequately cope conspiratorial 9937 those. Other yet, suggestions outright outlawry Party; secondly, registrations Communists; third, repeatedly instrumentalities Kremlin-controlled apparatus. Similar reference situation, designated creating manipulating organizations, affiliate California Chicago, committee—the along line cultural freedom, something kind. don't instant. respect- ing Activities.' By incorporated full itself. empowered appoint subcommittees performing acts do.' 211, note 50, 1192. '* (T)he continuously accumulating Communists, enable appraise (18 2385) Internal Security (50 781 seq.), 1954 841 numerous provisions Criminal Code espionage, sabotage, subversion. addition, strengthen weapons Nation. 'In years, investigations, separate action. Legislation embracing currently covered recommendations. years administrative executive agencies Government.' trial score essence Wilkinson party, creditable oath short year hierarchy nation spearhead known front. Wilkinson's assignments, setting rallies meetings engendering Investigation, program relatively conducting area. What I'm telling general summary, understand.' brought home indisputably show anything understood objection pertinency. 214—215, 1193, 1273; 124, 1091, 153—166, 1107—1113, reports During associated primary addition shown similar Los Angeles Chicago. 1956. Hearings 84th 2d Sess., Angeles, December 5—8, 1956, 'Communist Political Subversion, Part I,' pp. 6747—6753. disclose source to. facts, undisputed 'indistinguishable' upheld States.4 myself partially disagreement majority. distinguished DOUGLAS—that criticizing join filed ground. hand, agree concerned, 'indistin- 1081. '(t)hese petitioner' (emphasis supplied), satisfied evidence, absolutely conclusive, overwhelming. 'evidence' relied colloquy between informant, Mrs. Schneider, Arens: Arens. Was (the Citizens Preserve American Freedoms) Communist-controlled? 'Mrs. Schneider. Yes. Who ringleader organization? didn't organization, was. My believe. Did Communist? Yes.' op. cit., n. 6730. This, 3500, 3500. See, e.g., Subversive Board, 351 115, 76 663, 100 1003; Mesarosh 352 1. test terms: 'Where asserted bar issue always courts competing private interests stake shown.' 126, 1093, Communications Ass'n, CIO Douds, 339 382, 70 674, 94 925; Beauharnais People Illinois, 343 250, 72 725, 96 919. Brandeis concurring Whitney 'Those won independence final faculties; deliberative forces prevail arbitrary. valued secret happiness liberty.' 274 357, 375, 641, 648, 71 doubtless to, famous words Thomas Jefferson's inaugural address: 'If among dissolve union change form, let them undisturbed monuments safety error tolerated combat it.' Washington Post January 4, 1961, Activities: often functions pillory punish publicity offenses Constitution forbids law. 'exposes' opinions indulge disapproves, carelessly calling them—or allowing cloak immunity them—Communists Communist-sympathizers dupes. consequence sometimes operates serious restraint expression association. Americans fearful uttering joining subversive.' ultimate parent paragraph 17(b), H.Res. 828. (i) legislation.' contains (see infra), controlling. Of 'un-American propaganda' arguably pursued editorially 28, 1960: letters printed elsewhere newspaper Rep. Francis Walter asserts film Abolition 'contains distortions' staff admitted defects 'had himself word 'distortions." television KCOP—TV, teaching assistant University distortions film. William Wheeler, investigator taking asked. 'What trying prove this?' exchange took place: White: inaccuracies distortions. Wheeler: I've that. You've that? Certainly. offers selected quotes San Francisco refute newspaper's assertion police 'reacted altogether needless ferocity.' Like omits material showing side picture. Chronicle reporter George Draper wrote: "I kids police. resistance passive. limp manhandled building saw slightly lad carried husky officers. One boy's shirt, feet. struggling, match bigger men. Then nowhere third officer. ran slender boy firmly officers clubbed times head. You hear hollow smack club striking. went out.' 'Nor mention another eyewitness, Mel Wax special correspondent Post. "Never, reporter, seen brutality. hurled women down staircase, spines bumping marble stair.' Walter, 'decidedly minor' distortion Harry Bridges represented scene rioting broke when, arrive over. 'Honest' been; unfortunate. contributed considerably deceptive distorted message demonstration led Communists. 'Communists tried credit accords Unquestionably affair condones rowdiness ensued. distaste students orderly protest—an inalienable cross-examined 'Q. Arens, everything prevent Atlanta? A. Yes, sir. discovered That's Now, categories entry stirring comes category justified correct? want understand position. yes.'

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