Document: 447 U.S. 264 100 S.Ct. 2183 65 L.Ed.2d 115 UNITED STATES, Petitioner,v.Billy Gale HENRY. No. 79-121. Argued Jan. 16, 1980. Decided June Syllabus After respondent was indicted for armed robbery of a bank, and while he in jail pending trial, Government agents contacted an informant who then inmate confined the same cellblock as respondent. An agent instructed to be alert any statements made by federal prisoners but not initiate conversations with or question regarding charges against him. had been released from jail, reported that engaged conversation incriminating about robbery. The paid furnishing information. At respondent's which resulted conviction, testified Respondent moved vacate his sentence on ground introduction informant's testimony interfered violated Sixth Amendment right assistance counsel. District Court denied motion, Appeals reversed, holding Government's actions impaired rights under Massiah v. United States, 377 201, 84 1199, 12 246. Held: Respondent's should have admitted at trial. By intentionally creating situation likely induce make without counsel, Under facts—particularly facts acting instructions ostensibly no more than fellow inmate, custody indictment time—incriminating were "deliberately elicited" within meaning Massiah. Since unaware Government, cannot held waived Pp. 269-275. 590 F.2d 544, affirmed. Andrew L. Frey, Washington, D. C., petitioner. Michael E. Geltner, Mr. Chief Justice BURGER delivered opinion Court. 1 We granted certiorari consider whether counsel admission trial cellmate, undisclosed informant, after custody. 444 824, 45, 62 30 (1979). 2 * Janaf Branch Virginia Bank/Seaboard National Norfolk, Va., robbed August 1972. Witnesses saw two men wearing masks carrying guns enter bank third man waited car. No witnesses able identify Henry one participants. About hour robbery, getaway car discovered. Inside found rent receipt signed "Allen R. Norris" lease, also Norris, house Norfolk. Two men, subsequently convicted participating arrested rented house. Discovered them proceeds used gunman. 3 traced Henry; basis this information, Atlanta, Ga., November weeks later 18 U.S.C. §§ 2113(a) (d). He Norfolk city jail. Counsel appointed 27. 4 On 21, 1972, shortly incarcerated, working Nichols, some time prior meeting provide confidential information Federal Bureau Investigation informant. Nichols serving local forgery charges. record does disclose specifically acquire robbery.1 5 informed housed several awaiting including Henry. told him prisoners, In early December, again bank.2 6 When tried March 1973, concerning events surrounding discovery rental slip evidence uncovered Other connected house, positively identified taken described earlier. A neighbor she John Luck, Henry's addition, palm prints lease agreement matched those 7 "an opportunity jail," occasions gone see employees opened vault. details stated only connecting receipt. jury 8 testimony,3 sentenced term imprisonment 25 years. appeal raised claims. His conviction affirmed, judgt. order 483 1401 (CA4 1973), petition writ denied. 421 915, 95 1575, 43 781 (1975). 9 28, 1975, pursuant 28 § 2255.4 stage, just learned alleged placed cell so could secure Thus, contended Nichols' motion hearing. Appeals, however, reversed remanded evidentiary inquiry into "whether witness [Nichols] government during interviews Henry." 10 remand, requested affidavits agents. affidavit submitted describing agent's relationship relating following conversation: 11 "I recall telling these individuals [the prisoners] them. I them, if they talked front him, pay attention their statements. Henry, initiated furnished never anyone affiliated place 13 2255 concluding did violate remanded, defendant 246 (1964). court noted concluded association, general conversation, both, developed trust confidence such revealed constituted interference Amendment.5 544 (1978). II 14 This has scrutinized postindictment confrontations between accused determine are "critical stages" prosecution attaches. See, e. g., States Ash, 413 300, 93 2568, 37 619 (1973); Wade, 388 218, 87 1926, 1149 (1967). present case involves undercover indictment. characterizes voluntary result affirmative conduct part elicit evidence. From this, argues violated, even assuming applies surreptitious confrontations; short, it is counsel.6 15 first applied communications supra. There, charged, codefendant, Government. reversing "the basic protections Amendment] when there own words, deliberately elicited him." Id., 206, S.Ct., 1203. rests squarely 16 here Three factors important. First, Government; second, third, Nichols. 17 viewed showing position attributable year; moreover, FBI aware access would engage arousing suspicion. arrangement contingent-fee basis; produced useful information.7 combination circumstances sufficient support Appeals' determination. Even statement intend take steps accepted, must known propinquity lead result. robbery.8 Yet according testimony, passive listener; rather, "some Henry" incriminatory product conversation." While interrogation, absent waiver, certainly satisfy Massiah, we persuaded, contends Brewer Williams, 430 387, 97 1232, 51 424 (1977), modified Massiah's test. See Rhode Island Innis, 446 291, n. 4, 1682, 1689, 64 297 (1980).9 codefendant subject crime investigation.10 19 It quite different matter uses obtain persons suspected criminal activity filed. Hoffa 385 293, 302, 408, 413, 374 (1966), example "no interest legitimately protected Fourth involved" because [does protect] wrongdoer's misplaced belief person whom voluntarily confides wrongdoing will reveal it." White, 401 745, 91 1122, 453 (1971). Similarly, Fifth implicated use before filed absence potential compulsion. SeeHoffa supra, U.S., 303-304, 414-415. But claims cases relevant here—whether eliciting" Our today modify White Hoffa. 20 undisputed role apply less rigorous standard where prompted speaking hearing knows officers. That line argument, seeks infuse concerns compelled self-incrimination protection typically may adversary positions stage well established; parties "arms' length" adversaries. 21 company prearrangement agent, said. Conversation stimulated Indeed, "is efficacy indirect interrogations conducted jailhouse." pointedly observed seriously imposed upon know agent. 22 Moreover, concept knowing waiver context Johnson Zerbst, 304 458, 58 1019, 82 L.Ed. 1461 (1938). setting, being expressly commissioned evidence, 23 Finally incarceration factor.11 As imposing prophylactic requirements Miranda Arizona, 384 436, 467, 86 1602, 1624, 694 powerful psychological inducements reach aid confinement. id., 448-454, 1614-1617. concern limited custodial police mere fact imposes pressures accused; confinement bring play subtle influences particularly susceptible ploys determined facilitated apparent status sharing common plight. managed gain determined, confirmed request assist escape plans confinement.12 24 strictures Court's holdings exclusion conclude err counsel.13 where, Cardozo's constable . blundered," People DeFore, 242 N.Y. 13, 150 N.E. 585, 587 (1926); "constable" planned impermissible counsel.14 judgment Circuit 26 Affirmed. 27 POWELL, concurring. violation rule (1964), (1977). join Court, write separately state my understanding holding. 29 entitled outfitted automobile radio transmitting equipment crimes. 307 62, 72 (CA2 1962) (Hays, J., dissenting). suppressing overheard resulting emphasized " 'apply jailhouse. ' 1203, quoting detective purposefully isolated suspect lawyers and, long ride car, remarks through skillful interrogation. suppressed designedly set out elicit" suspect. 399, 1240; 407, 1244 (MARSHALL, concurring); 412, 1246 (POWELL, concurring). serves salutary purpose preventing once formal proceedings initiated. prohibit spontaneous governmental action. listening device collects, induce, comments. Hearst, 563 1331, 1347-1348 (CA9 1977), cert. denied, 435 1000, 98 1656, 56 90 presence jailhouse overhear necessarily unconstitutional. case, deliberate "surreptitious interrogatio[n]" defendant. If not, client 31 view close difficult its claim. Normally, helpful reviewing conducted. balance, accept adequately demonstrates existence violation. incidental Massiah.* To demonstrate infringement Amendment, show that, considering all circumstances, functional equivalent 1239; 411, 1245, (1980). 32 Because understand decision conclusion conduct, 33 BLACKMUN, WHITE joins, dissenting. 34 fear, cuts loose moorings (1964),1 overlooks misapplies significant required established precedent, sound policy. 35 resolved divided vote, three judges writing separately. seven dissented denial rehearing en banc. And separate concurring opinion, obviously comfortable, finds "close difficult," ante, 277, writes assure vote preserves contrary posture confronted cell." Ibid. division attests importance correct factual analysis here. 36 principles differently does, dissent. mandates word "deliberately" denotes intent. ties intent act elicitation, is, draws forth response. Thus terms, covers action undertaken specific evoke inculpatory disclosure. 38 Faced Agent Coughlin's unequivocal expression merely passively receive 268; App. Pet. Cert. 58a, affirm choice depart natural formulation. deems critical informant; Coughlin "had access" "would suspicion"; payment basis. Ante, 270. said, "statement accepted result" (that "affirmative information"). 271. Later, goes further, characterizing "intentionally statements." 274. (Emphasis added.) determination, coupled "prompted" remarks, 273, 271, 9, leads find 39 claiming retain test, really forges new test saps significance. extension cover "negligent" triggering reception disclosures. approach, view, unsupported unwise. 40 A. Authority. precedents appear me objective approach. Spano New York, 360 315, 79 1202, 1265 (1959), whose opinions presaged 204, 1201, concerned "all-night inquisition" "repeatedly asked allowed send lawyer." 327, 1209 (concurring opinion). Obviously, involved efforts extract itself, engineered pretrial turncoat codefendant. latter talk crime, 66 1962); (dissenting opinion), bugged listen in.2 (1973), emphasizing "ruse" 's neutralize overreaching prosecution," 312, 2575, reinforced elicitation entails purposeful 41 possibly remained subjective nature inquiry, dispelled There closely examined intentions. face vigorous dissents, "[t]here can serious doubt Detective Leaming Williams," giving "Christian burial speech," "purposely sought much possible." 1240 (emphasis added). (1980) (reaffirming criterion); Kamisar, : What "Interrogation"? Does Matter? 67 Geo.L.J. 1, 42 (1978) ("The 'deliberately elicited' seems intentional").3 unifying theme cases, then, deliberate, designed, tactics, investigatory tool extracting "likely induce" fundamentally restructures engages "overreaching," believes wholly innocent passive, comes excluded court, convenient benefit 20/20 hindsight, B. Policy. For reasons, believe revamping abrogates judicial significantly broaden exclusion; yet, THE CHIEF JUSTICE stressed before, "high price society pays drastic remedy" indisputably reliable trials Bivens Six Unknown Narcotics Agents, 403 388, 1999, 2013, (1971) Second, think approach fails appreciate fully accommodate "value" "unfortunate necessity work." Weatherford Bursey, 429 545, 557, 837, 844, Third, proffered unquestionably voluntary. 431 181, 187, 1814, 1818, 52 238 (1977) ("Indeed, far prohibited Constitution, admissions guilt wrongdoers, coerced, inherently desirable"). Fourth, condemns punishes do culpable. Wilson Henderson, 584 1185, 1191 1978), 442 945, 99 2892, 61 316 (1979) (investigating officer's "directions, 'Don't ask questions; keep your ears open,' suggest familiarity attempted compliance with, circumvention of, principle "). Fifth, least active, orchestrated ruse, great difficulty perceiving how canons fairness flowing "wrongdoer's (1966).4 44 Finally, note limits, other providing counterbalance prosecutorial expertise defendants faced complex unfamiliar proceedings. REHNQUIST's dissenting post, 290-298.5 right-to-counsel extended outermost point. simply perceive good reason give expansion receives case.6 45 missteps forging test; misapply very created. requires created production accepting most capacious reading both language facts, neither prong satisfied. 46 "Likely Induce." statements, relies facts: arrangement; assumption cellmate; incarceration.7 47 states: "The information." finding, am unconvinced establishes understanding.8 event, significant. reasonable like whatever arrangement, remunerated breached promise; yet asks us infer lead" avoid. 48 emphasizes "unaware agent." 273. One might properly assign factor importance, Williams. explicitly "[t]hat surreptitiously otherwise here, constitutionally irrelevant." 400, 1240. teeter-tottering confusion. 49 merits emphasis court's resurrection unawareness indispensable For, Brewer, substantial contact preceded delivery speech." clearly deemed speech finding violation; thus clear "association" "general conversation" suffice play. nothing transpired principled application reversal case. 50 notes incarcerated "subtle influences" exerted custody, itself too me. encounter police, display power overcome free accused. "social" relaxed. FBI. encourage detainee counter-balances equal weight. Since, "official surveillance traditionally day," Lanza 370 139, 143, 1218, 1221, 1234 (1962), jailmate obvious incentives authorities, expect corresponding circumspection. Cf. ("Custody [Massiah ] controlling; indeed, petitioner custody"). rely dubious successful prompting focus cut strongly conclusion. ignores instruction Nor remunerated, reprimanded penalized, orders. shows worked four years together year matters. makes sense, given experience willingness renew relationship, follow instruction. worth noting detainees attention;9 officers singled target. agree "must [it was] likely" seek analysis, enough anticipated disobedience Nichols; shown talk. little aggressive disclosures Nothing suggests knew each other, type discuss freely tried. respect, stands stark contrast collaborated drug smuggling operation prosecution. defendant] peculiarly [to approaches cellmates he] unusually disoriented upset." 302-303, 1685. extremely un 53 though forged judging application. Just few ago, "words [officers] reasonably response." 1685 deleted Here, "creat[ed] Although Innis rules distinct, identifying material difference formulations. satisfied greater "likely," stronger Innis. 4:30 a. m.; handcuffed "caged wagon"; accompanying triggered confession conversing danger "little girl" attending nearby school handicapped "maybe kill herself" gun supposedly hidden. 293-295, 1686-1687. Against backdrop fathom rendered "likely." 54 "Prompting." All Members "prompt" 9; 276 opinion); 302 record, gives indication "stimulated" 273 Certainly "a conversations." opinion).10 scant 'an jail.' 267. "Henry conversation," assistance," 58a. conversations, hardly startling development, location subtly focused robberies. extent says anything all, supports inference "engaged" "in conversations," moving force behind mention crime. cellmate previously unknown open says: "It's nice responds: "It nicer hadn't bank." necessary swallow bitter pill decide way did, transpired. 55 Conceivably, amount purveyed fishing detail occurred. invoke reasoning, stretched produce discloses timing "let cat bag," either volunteering inadvertently discussing someone else earshot These possibilities farfetched. addition revealing instructions, followed, indicates "volunteered" 85. eagerness collaborator outside jail; soon released, logical serve go-between. unconcerned "spontaneously given." 549 1978) "[i]n investigation." 271-272. observation trivializes central arranged codefendants shared prosecution, to, converse pair's misdeeds. III sum, unfortunate decision, disregards precedent stretches breaking point virtually silent record. Whatever bounds justify proof challenged 57 REHNQUIST, concludes begun, inadmissible present. whatsoever reliability entirely doctrinal foundation right. ruling based confrontation accomplice, turned State's direction "critical" attached. sets "important" determining violation, 270, constitutes departure traditional underlie guarantee language, actual holding, re-examined. 59 underpinnings largely left unexplained, reconcile notions attorney. prevented consulting often wished. meetings disturbed spied upon. preparation obstructed. 209, 1204 (WHITE, aptly 60 sterile syllogism—an unsound one, besides—to say accused] counsel's out-of-court obtained consent presence. meant Cicenia Lagay, 357 504, 78 1297, 1523; Crooker California, 433, 1287, 1448, further explanation, unarticulated Court." decisions recognize commenced 269. derives Powell Alabama, 287 55, 77 158 (1932), failure appoint until began Due Process Clause Fourteenth Amendment. 68-71, 63-65. referred period" "from defendants'] arraignment beginning consultation, thorough-going investigation vitally important." 57, 59-60. During period, "did real although period itself." They deprived consult attorney, investigate prepare defense observing duty discharged assignment preclude effective case," 71, 65, unconstitutionally counsel.1 rationale unaided layman, law, presentation coping procedural complexities fair stated: 63 "Historically practice, our country least, [a hearing] always included desired provided party asserting heard be, many avail comprehend intelligent educated layman small sometimes skill science law. charged incapable, generally, himself bad. Left put proper charge, incompetent irrelevant issue inadmissible. lacks knowledge defense, perfect one. guiding hand every step Without it, guilty, faces establish innocence. true intelligence, ignorant illiterate, feeble intellect." 68-69, 64.2 More recently underlying arguing law intricate legal procedure, 307-308, 2572-2573, minimize imbalance system creation professional prosecuting official. 308-309, 2573.3 examining representation, important theoretical attorney expert strategist.4 "Deliberate elicitation" begun determinative. Ash photo possibility "might misled lack overpowered adversary." 317, 2577. Gilbert 263, 267, 1951, 1953, 1178 (1967) (taking handwriting exemplars "there minimal risk derogate trial"). event communication interferes attorney-client constitutional prohibition incriminatinginformation despite received advice see, g. Once rights, responsibility exercise relinquishes talking decides mistakenly report cf. normally accountable bear adverse consequences Such sense accused's overborne, nor "unfair advantage" State over accused: quiet chooses. inconsistent proceedings, 205, 1202. reads context. Powell, time, altogether defense. similarly takes overly broad stages commencement purposes amiss decided solely selected "incorporated" applicable States. Gideon Wainwright, 372 335, 83 792, 199 (1963). B 68 relied heavily author expressed notion commences indictment, followed (STEWART, Spano, coerced interrogated eight hours confessed. Amendments reflect Framers' essentially accusatory rather inquisitorial justice, terms rigid dichotomy types activities permissible permissible. specifically, suggest, scheme, process formally begins effort offer spokesman technical course, protects confidentiality historical sort guru whenever inclination acts behest incriminatory, privilege compulsory self-incrimination. supra ; Brown Mississippi, 278, 461, 80 682 (1936); Ashcraft Tennessee, 322 921, 88 1192 (1944).5 C 69 objectives exclusionary results reached incorrect. reliable, probative tremendous costs society, Stone 428 465, 96 3037, 1067 (1976), nonetheless contexts deter unlawful activity. Weeks 232 383, 341, 652 (1914); Mapp Ohio, 367 643, 81 1684, 1081 (1961). voluntary, encouraged reveal, valid justification trial.6 70 Ordinary citizens expected observe, pain incriminate others, friends relatives. generally develops friendship family ties. still subpoena power, instances course citizen interested enforcement laws. 71 effect authorities ordinary voluntarily. informants "elicit" accused, people reprehensible. engaging thereby encouraging remarks. absolutely element coercion, relationship. Anything should, revelations citizen, available inability quiet, third-party fashion. chooses remark knowingly assumes confidant untrustworthy.7 considers relevant: 73 "First, Nichols." 74 disagree evaluation factors, place. 75 acknowledges police-work method enforcement. 272. observes, example, recognizes Constitution affords it," informer. acknowledged "necessity work" value enforcement." also, Russell, 411 423, 432, 1637, 1643, 366 752, 1126, 76 holds commenced, reliable. readily opinion. carry automatically transmuted begun. "adversary" exist And, recognized, events, perhaps "adversarial," special expertise. (1973) (no photographic identifications present); 1953 taking exemplars). skill, bringing mean need terminated. probable cause arising immediate aftermath offense investigation, connection criminal, former bail remains continue activity, so. Rogers 325 485 (CA 1963), cited 212, 1206 persuade go narcotics business 212-213, 1206-1207. "We confederates, already indicted." 207, hold continuation lawful authority covert operations investigating commenced.8 secondly states communicate agents, "arm's-length" took active prearranged deal 273.9 guidance enable cope prosecutor. Rather, discussed, reveals excluding "that agents." conscience talk, sufficiently overbearing impact warrant protection. instant next designed prison guard happened overhear. Barfield, 461 661 (CA5 1972). likewise initiates admissions. appears cellmate. Whether therefore dependent disposition so, cell. narrows scope Here employ what heard. having 39a. implicitly contrary. conclusions supported findings consequently conclude, foregoing reverse Appeals. day supervisor denying participation exercised terminate interview. help released. Beach woman there. prepared wanted tell her visit explained message partner, Portsmouth gave Hichols telephone number individual named "Junior" "Nail." floor plan Marshals' office handcuff key intended attempt escape. Joseph Sadler, another cellmates, "Lucky" "Luck." Sadler monitor petition, Sadler's perjurious; failed Brady material, Maryland, 373 83, 1194, 215 (1963); Attorney's argument impermissibly prejudicial; incompetent. rejected grounds, none issues willing beyond influence jury. Chapman 386 18, 24, 828, 705 REHNQUIST dissent, continuing vitality branch reject invitation reconsider it. "Nichols expenses services provided" year. continuously payroll service performed service. aspects discussions interest. relates individuals" charges," "pay discharge task eliciting myriad direct ways. "listening post" inanimate electronic differs; capability leading particular replies. However, presented occasion treat it; called pass proximity stimulate charged. additional monitoring obtaining questioned deem arrange fortunate read "custody" requirement, prerequisite attachment bears admittedly longstanding Nevertheless, ample become casual acquaintance. induced past surprising ingratiated actively solicited executing crime—his harmless error firm grounds strong neutral hideaway participants argued harmless, inclined disturb determination Disciplinary Rule 7-104(A)(1) Code Professional Responsibility provides: "(A) representation lawyer shall not: "(1) Communicate represented unless representing authorized so." Ethical Consideration 7-18. reserving violates premised theory. 269, 9. abandon does. planted bug, underscored design permitting abided agreement, ensured occur. noteworthy phase times subjected criticism: "Few, any, competent kind seemingly contemplated; psychiatrist express extensive questioning now officers." 304, 1691, (opinion judgment). POWELL 276, "Massiah initiated." fail "interference" permitted trusted visitor, place, practice unobjectionable. bugging said "deliberate elicitation." likelihood added relative longtime friend visits contrast, previously. bugging, dealing with. ability intelligently gauge probability confidences "reported" back Rejection since policies [Fifth Amendments] distinct." 4. "prophylactic rule," Michigan Payne, 412 47, 53, 1966, 1970, 736 protect suspect's compulsion inherent surroundings" "interrogation" occurs. 1619, (1966). degree critical. Beyond objectively defined "pressure point," presumedly excluded, countercoercive warnings. 1624. Miranda, rooted counter "deliberat[e]" focussing deliberateness, sanction culpable, frustrate checked deterrent. Illinois, 422 590, 604, 2254, 2262, 416 located accessible totally placing cellblock. confer initially 57a-58a. previous occasions," 57a, [investigation] 59a. amorphous dealing, emanating unspecified investigations. assurance come up implicating defendants. indicate acted assumption. suggestion contrary, 8, segments affidavit, exemplifies treatment portion full: advised Billy 58a (emphases containing occasionally refers name, referring detainees. passage establishing interest" extraordinary. unlike scenario sketched "to seem fortiori, excluded. observed: assume precipitated [on morning trial] thought best proceeding preparation. Neither prompt thoroughgoing facts. investigate. given. Defendants immediately hurried Anderson, disclaiming intention criticize harshly represent trials, said: '. appearance pro forma zealous active. disclosed, accorded sense. otherwise, ignore actualities." 58, 60. arraignment, "[a]vailable defenses irretrievably lost, asserted, waives strategic purposes," Hamilton 368 52, 54, 157, 159, 114 (1961), preliminary hearing, lost enters plea. 59, 1050, 193 (lineup); Mempa Rhay, 389 128, 254, 336 (combination probation-revocation sentencing hearing); Coleman 399 387 (1970) (preliminary examination); Moore 434 220, (one-person showup combined functions examination, move suppression dismissal charges). "historical background core 'Assistance' intricacies advocacy public prosecutor." 309, 2573. English common-law rule, severely felony apparently irrational. 306-307, 2572-2573. Any dealings confidential, held, today, conviction. recognized "call[s] examination problems 313, 2575. appropriate protecting self-incrimination, Fare 707, 719, 2560, 197 (1979), when, hazards coercion absent. 421-422, 1251, (1977): "[U]nlawfully factfinding circumstances. variety inquire promote enormous cost society. 'As remedial device, restricted areas efficaciously served.' Calandra [414 338, 348, 94 613, 620, 561 (1974)]; accord, 486-491, 3048-3051; Janis [428 3021, 1046 (1976)]; 606-608-609, 2263-2264-2265, (1975) part); Peltier [422 531, 538-539, 2313, 2318, (1975)]." (Footnote omitted.) (1971), "Inescapably, contemplating illegal realize companions reporting police. doubts trustworthiness, association probably end materialize. doubts, allays risks has, his." contingency fee making "deliberate" opinion: 'surreptitious interrogatio[n]' counsel." 276. Deliberate depend limits essence conscientious policework.

Category: 0