Document: 339 U.S. 323 70 S.Ct. 724 94 L.Ed. 884 UNITED STATESv.BRYAN. No. 99. Argued Dec. 15, 1949. Decided May 8, 1950. Rehearing Denied June 5, See 991, 1018. Mr. Philip B. Perlman, Sol. Gen., Washington, D.C., for the United states. Messrs. O. John Rogge, and Benedict Wolf, New York City, respondent. Chief Justice VINSON delivered opinion of Court. 1 Respondent is executive secretary an organization known as Joint Anti-Fascist Refugee Committee (hereinafter referred to association) such has custody its records. Prior April 4, 1946, on Un-American Activities House Representatives, which was conducting investigation into activities association, had attempted without success procure these records from respondent chairman association's board, Dr. Edward K. Barsky. On March 29, issued subpoenas each members board summoning them appear in Committee's room at 10 a.m., testify produce certain specified identical subpoena directed association by name served upon Bryan her official capacity. 2 appeared before date time set out response thereto. Each person so summoned failed any subpoenas. The made statements declared that he or she did not have possession, control records; Miss Bryan, secretary, did. admitted were possession but refused comply with because 'after consulting counsel (she) came conclusion valid' no constitutional right demand books Asked whether supported action, answer think question pertinent. 3 then submitted report resolution House. Setting length attempts concludes: 'The willful deliberate refusal Helen R. named herein books, papers, called deprives your committee evidence necessary conduct Rufugee Committee, pertinent said places persons contempt Representatives States.'1 4 directing Speaker certify States Attorney District Columbia legal action approved full after debate.2 5 indicted violation R.S. § 102,3 thereby wilfully default. Act trial contended, inter alia, guilty wilful default a quorum been present when return day. However, court withdrew issue jury's consideration instructing jury 'as matter law, validly constituted Congress, defendant's appearance.' found guilty, 72 F.Supp. 58, Court Appeals Columbia, one judge dissenting, reversed judgment ground presence hearing material fact alleged offense should jury. 84 U.S.App.D.C. 394, 174 F.2d 525. We granted writ certiorari, 338 846, 87, consider this important affecting procedures congressional committees. 6 First. 102 enacted 1857. Its purpose, stated sponsors, avoid procedural difficulties experienced cited brought bar show cause why they be committed, and, more important, permit imprisonment contemnor beyond expiration current session Congress.4 Transmission commission prosecuting authority under Seal Senate President Senate.5 judicial proceedings are intended alternative method vindicating Congress compel disclosure facts needed fulfillment legislative function. In re Chapman, 1897, 166 661, 671—672, 17 677, 681, 41 1154; Jurney v. MacCracken, 1935, 294 125, 151, 55 375, 379, 79 802. 7 'Default' is, course, failure summons. case we may assume, deciding, required Activities, sitting committee.6 Upon assumption, takes position that, absent quorum, power receive day; cannot failing papers 'agency organizationally defective,' which, reason, 'cannot obstructed.' does cannot, view verdict, contest finding deliberately intentionally subpoena. Her contention meet witness refusal. Reliance placed precedents hold challenged approved, Court's recent decision Christoffel States, 1949, 84, 69 1447. 8 inapposite. For decision, involved prosecution perjury committee, rests part proposition applicable statute requires 'competent tribunal' false statement made. There requirement 102. It contemplate some affirmative act punishable only if performed competent tribunal, intentional however contumacy manifested. equate considered contending it applies committee—i.e., committee. But limited. first place, refers 'to give testimony inquiry * either Congress,' And appearance essential element further emphasized additional language statute, defining terms above, continues, 'or who, having oppeared, refuses inquiry, shall deemed misdemeanor, *.' (Emphasis supplied.) 9 clear designed punish obstruction inquiries Houses their committees engaged. If shown fact, obstructed withholding documents, unimportant subpoenaed proclaims his respond sends telegram chairman, simply stays away His actions merely might infer intent A proclaimed respond, case, makes plain. would hardly less plain embarked voyage Europe day scheduled Of course always change mind. mature until subpoena, whatever previous manifestations Government introduced lawful within control, comply, prima facie 11 Second. argued, however, even prove affirmatively, lack defense raising questions theory production qua could complied absence wished do so, therefore wilful, albeit intentional. While introduce direct trial, appropriately raised cross-examination motions, requests objections. 12 Ordinarily, charged order complete proving unable comply. will imprison documents unless responsible unavailability, cf. supra, impeding justice explaining what happened them, Goldstein, Cir., 1939, 105 150. 13 other hand, witnesses minimum duties obligations concessions public interest orderly operation machinery. never treated invitation game hare hounds, must cornered end chase. then, indeed, great testimonial compulsion, effective functioning courts legislatures, nullity. often iterated importance duty, every jurisdiction bound perform properly summoned. e.g., Blair 1919, 250 273, 281, 39 468, 471, 63 979; Blackmer 1932, 284 421, 438, 52 252, 255, 76 375. 14 Certain exemptions attending or, attended, giving recognized all courts. exemption grounded substantial individual found, through centuries experience, outweigh search truth. Dean Wigmore thus: 'For than three now fundamental maxim (in words sanctioned Lord Hardwicke) man's evidence. When come examine various claims exemption, start primary assumption there general duty capable giving, exist distinctly exceptional, being many derogations positive rule.'7 15 Every testifying producing thus presupposes very real protected. privilege based asserted validity assessed. Since assume refer agree rightfully demanded attendance declined long present. need treat obviously regarded unimportant.8 Testimonial compulsion intensely practical matter. If, therefore, seeks excuse grounds inability fail modicum good faith responding That situation admit doubt. 16 legitimate reasons decent respect whose issued, state noncompliance writ. At place Chairman number members—whether record—presented themselves taking receipt papers. defect composition any, easily remedied. informed two years records, sought years, grown four, objection far informed, rectified few minutes. Such patent evasion condoned. Suppose who fails deliver reason. defend default, months later, given sufficient gather papers? tenable. Yet, date, compliance 'impossible' just case. To deny opportunity remedy itself procxesses. Bevan Krieger, 1933, 289 459, 464—465, 53 662—663, 77 1316. 18 second insists own estimation, immaterial one, clearly reliance She deny, transcript perfectly clear, how time. This similar Hale Henkel, 1906, 201 43, 26 370, 50 652, where duces tecum grounds, impossible collect allowed. pointed 'Had relied solely ground, doubtless him time.' page 70, 377. lower remedy, later complain meaningless act—to grant indicated event.9 Here go empty formality solemn conclave hear refuse honor demands. Presumably same formalism coming so. 19 dissimilar Judge Learned Hand basic us gave necessarily follow. He said: 20 put up shifts subterfuges truth powerless trifling. They incapable dealing actualities surer sign feeble fumbling law timidity penetrating form substance.' Loubriel 1926, 807, 808. 21 occurred, circumstances disclosed record open 22 Third. also contended erred permitting read relies 859, codified 3486 Title U.S.C., U.S.C.A. 3486, provides 'No House, used criminal proceeding against court, except committed testimony. *' Admittedly relative comes literal statute; thought apply respondent's subvert purpose passage.10 agree. 23 history detail. noted, function provide immunity subsequent committees, compelled self-incriminating testimony.11 effectively nullified 1892 Counselman Hitchcock, 142 547, 195, 35 1110, holding 860,12 respects substitute refusing questions. Under offered partial protection §§ 859 860—that proceedings—rather concerning testifies13 claim remain silent impunity. 24 Section 860 ultimately repealed. usefulness undermined remained 1910, 'a shield justice.'14 attention not, apparently, anomaly presented continued existence like 860, constituent 'bargain' invalid case.15 must, effect statute. Cameron 1914, 231 710, 720, 34 244, 247, 58 448. 25 argument denial bars use default.16 original status relevant considerations interpretation. Despite encompass elicited questioning reach result contrary leads absurd conclusions. Kirby, 1869, Wall. 482, 486, 278; Glickstein 1911, 222 139, 32 71, 56 128. frustrated words, 'in proceeding,' include 'more effectually enforce Attendance Witnesses discover Testimony.'17 experience prior 1857 disclose desired information, insufficient penalties nondisclosure, self-incrimination. attempt surmount latter obstacle, became 859. By granting immunity, hitherto unavailable. 27 extended effort obtain testimony, protects equally withholds prosecuted completely ignores immunity. imputes contradictory irrational contempt. assumes kind here involved—statements documents—in willing These available proceedings. uniformly printed reports recommending action18 deliberating cases.19 short, contradicts application kind. 28 Furthermore, inadmissible conclude discernible proof vastly difficult chambers, since, indicated, accustomed rely hint decisions construing it. contrary, noted 'merely supplement providing punishment.' 379. 29 debates enactment statutes federal substantially make therein provided past acts testify.20 30 presently concerned, matures Until moment crime. our jurisprudence, doctrine 'anticipatory contempt.' witness' elected perjure himself commit contempt, guilt crime about commits there. 31 problem presented. held pursuant falls outside purview 7(9) Bankruptcy Act, U.S.C. 25(10), (at creditors' meeting) view, 'relates past, endow testifies license perjury.' Id., 142, 73, distinction fully spelled Circuit opinion, Edelstein 149 F. 636, L.R.A.,N.S., 236, approval case: 'To bankrupt while actually defeat obvious purposes act. would, effect, say bankrupt: You forego exercise privilege, consent business, way promote efficient administration estate benefit creditors, doing secure for; you calculated embarrass rights specially denounced you, enjoy therefor. Moreover, violating compact, namely, testify—that truthfully—by virtue secured impute purpose. 'any proceeding' sensibly reasonably construed literally generally swearing reference arise transactions, testify.' pages 643—644. 33 least Such, rationale Third Kaplan Bros., 213 753. see 719, 448; McCarthy Arndstein, 1924, 266 34, 42, 45 16, 17, 158. led clause excepting another 'was added superfluous caution throws light construction', Heike 1913, 227 131, 141, 226, 227, 57 450, Ann.Cas.1914C, 128, lead intend term, encourage quite advances several contentions passed Appeals. decide reversed. 36 Reversed. 37 FRANKFURTER agrees portion marked Third, involving applicability dissent reversal. 38 DOUGLAS CLARK took JACKSON, concurring. 40 With I am agreement, 1447, can coexist. agreed defendant rightly decline Therefore whether, making demand, afterwards 42 duplicate respect: both cases defendants raise offense, manner saying, think, corrected, proper made, kept ace sleeveto produced trial. Christoffel, majority opposite said, 'In member, occasion appropriate petitioner question.' Supra, 88, 1450. left standing, timely too late Bryan. following candidly overrule 43 practice helpful protecting valid Committee. prevents correction error profits concealed exploit. Congressional custom, written established Members indulge temporary absences, objection, disabling those remaining continuing work step interview constituents, consult staffs, confer other, dictate letter, visit washroom, putting Committee—but subject call whenever point raised; notice someone deems personal important. custom denied Congress. Member steps risk nullifying whole proceeding. 44 ironic interference promulgated absentee participation Congressmen. Examination journal handed down shows eight Justices four dissented prevailing expressly indicate joined it, nondissenting divided Court, affirm below. reversal prevailed counting absent. absentia final circulated; nor rule permitted want criticizing suggesting slightest irregularity done. doubt authorization given; know vote counted anyone. strictly regular customary, according unwritten practice, count physically comparable anomalous. difference: Congressman quorum; decision. No dependent presumed All done listen. member 46 ruling today seems irreconcilable True, ink dry. principle stare decisis, normal well explicit overruling implicit Unless really accede authority, better undo becomes embedded misleading influence profession. embarrassing confess blunder; adhere today, forthrightly artlessly overruled. 47 BLACK, whom concurs, dissenting. 48 house 'shall testimony.' admits convicting violated 'literal language' declines language. abide mandate. 49 statutory exception 'prosecution perjury' focused admissible special type prosecution. Yet reads forbidden 'except records.' extensive law-making particularly questionable restrict safeguards accorded cases. springs Congress' recognition compulsory narrowing radical departure underlying interpretations legislation. Smith 337 137, 1000; Monia, 317 424, 409, 87 376. 51 amendment anomalous basis: feels alter 'subvert purpose' already irrevocably 1110. precise dubious contradict tends meant convict perjury. justifiable reason exception. consists itself, possible. Not rather produce—conduct proved clerks, spectators. basis saying wrote 'absurd conclusions' encouraging 'refusal papers.' As elements crime, produce, extracted compulsion. entitled invoke Fifth Amendment's self-incrimination defendant. One certainly 'witness himself.' conclusions,' Amendment. 54 finds comfort 'uniformly action' houses However be, justify limited 'criminal court.'1 remanded new 92 Cong.Rec. 3762, 79th Cong., 2d Sess. (1946). 3773. Stat. 155, amended, 102, 192, 192. 'Every joint concurrent willfully appeared, fine $1,000 $100 common jail month twelve months.' See, remarks Representative Orr, Cong.Golbe, 34th 3d 405 (1857). 104, 194, 194. follows: 'By Authority America, Sergeant-at-Arms, Special Messenger: 'You hereby commanded summon 192 Lexington Avenue, voluntary organization, Honorable S. Wood bring ledgers, relating disbursement money account subsidiary subcommittee thereof, together correspondence memoranda communications means whatsoever foreign countries. period January 1, 1945 including chamber city hour touching matters committee; depart leave 'Herein Wigmore, Evidence (3d ed.) 2192. 'inability' amounts excused arises possible prejudice suffered turned over oral desire feeling members, unrestrained majority, exceed bounds inquiry. inapplicable irrelevant event since testified. also, 443, 257, 375; Leber 1909, 170 881, 888; London Guarantee & Accident Co., Ltd., Doyle Doak, C.C.1905, 134 125; State ex rel. Berge Superior 1929, 154 Wash. 144, 281 P. 335. court's Barsky, D.C.1947, 165, affirmed Barsky 1948, 83 127, 138, 167 241, 252. originally 1857, comprehensive hand protect crimes revealed enacted, prevented 'for 156. provision deleted 1862, 333, leaving require self-incriminatory 1892, applied obtained party 'judicial Brown Walker, 1896, 161 591, 644, 819. H.R.Rep.No.266, 61st Sess., concurred reporting repealer, states: 'This section (860) apparently enabling incriminating condition disclosing Hitchcock (142 1110) legislation abridge replace supply broad extent scope Revised Statutes perils prohibition guard, prohibition, (article amendments) afford absolute future relates. 'Since above possessed whatever, impediment justice. chooses stand volition, incriminatory thereafter confronted oath cross-examination. become justice.' 1938 minor amendments recognizing inconsistency 943. S.Rep.No.2108, 75th 1943, 376, inapplicable. relates necessity particular involved. specifically states distinguished claimed. 427, 410. 155. S.Rep.No.254, 73d Report Investigation Air Mail Ocean Contracts, setting detail William Jr., et al., determine taken Jr. nature otherwise. incident rise illustrates point. corespondent Times, charges corruption connection pending legislation, select asked information confidence. committee's answers Globe, pp. 403 404, resulted House,' commitment. carried conjunction deprive acted Orr: bill subjected furnish indictment.' Cong.Globe, 406. Washburn: declares answering criminate himself; exempt punishment country him.' Id. 428. Senator Seward: 444. supplied throughout.) total testified, adoption mean immunize between trials eminently reasonable differences two. dissenting Fleischman, 349, 739. discussion procedures, Eberling, Investigations 179 passim (Columbia University Press, 1928).

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