Document: 460 U.S. 462 103 S.Ct. 1303 75 L.Ed.2d 206 DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA COURT APPEALS, et al., Petitionersv.Marc FELDMAN and Edward J. Hickey, Jr. No. 81-1335. Argued Dec. 8, 1982. Decided March 23, 1983. Syllabus Respondents filed petitions in the District of Columbia Court Appeals asking for waivers that court's Bar admission rule requires applicants to have graduated from a law school approved by American Association. The court issued per curiam orders denying petitions. then complaints United States Columbia, challenging Appeals' denials their waiver also constitutionality rule. dismissed on ground it lacked subject-matter jurisdiction. Circuit reversed remanded. Held: 1. proceedings before were judicial nature. They involved "judicial inquiry" which was called upon investigate, declare, enforce "liabilities as they [stood] present or past facts under laws supposed already exist." Prentis v. Atlantic Coast Line Co., 211 210, 226, 29 67, 69, 53 L.Ed. 150. With respect both respondents, adjudicated claims right Bar. Pp. 476-482. 2. district courts no jurisdiction over challenges state-court decisions particular cases arising out even if those allege state action unconstitutional. Review may be had only this Court. Thus, extent respondents sought review waiver, complaints. But do general bar rules promulgated nonjudicial proceedings, not require final judgment case. Accordingly, here has elements respondents' involving attack 1314-1317. 213 U.S.App.D.C. 119, 661 F.2d 1295, vacated Daniel A. Rezneck, Washington, D.C., petitioners. Robert M. Sussman, respondent Marc Feldman. Michael F. Healy, Justice BRENNAN delivered opinion 1 We must decide these what authority matters. Circuit, reversing Court, held requests an school. vacate decision remand case consistent with opinion. 2 * discussed detail earlier opinions changes structure system effected Reform Criminal Procedure Act 1970. Pub.L. 91-358, 84 Stat. 473. See Key Doyle, 434 59, 98 280, 54 238 (1977); Palmore States, 411 389, 93 1670, 36 342 (1973). For purposes case, three provisions legislation are crucial. One provision made "final judgments decrees . reviewable Supreme accordance section 1257 title 28, Code." § 111, 475 (codified at D.C.Code 11-102 (1981)). Another amended 28 U.S.C. specify term "highest state" used includes Appeals. 172(a)(1), 590. These make Appeals, like courts, directly Cases longer proceed local 1254. supra, U.S., 64, S.Ct., 283. third authorized "make such deems proper respecting examination, qualification, persons membership its bar, censure, suspension, expulsion." 521 11-2501(a) This divested former supervise bar. 3 Pursuant new rulemaking authority, adopted, part rules, Rule 46 I (1973), governs I(b)(3) states: 4 (3) Proof Legal Education. An applicant who time graduation Association shall eligible within 60 days date examination will permitted take examination. Under circumstances admitted without having first submitted Secretary Committee [on Admissions] certificate verifying he school.1 5 Neither Their efforts avoid operation form foundation 6 Respondent Feldman did attend Instead, pursued alternative path legal career provided State Virginia highly structured program study office practicing attorney. Va.Code 54-62 (1982). In addition his work firm Charlottesville, Virginia, formally audited classes University School Law. six months course study, served clerk Judge. 7 Having passed state's April, 1976. year begun working staff attorney Baltimore, Maryland Aid Bureau. He continued job until January, 1977. Like limiting access graduates ABA-approved schools, but Board Law Examiners waived later 8 November, 1976 applied Admissions which, prior recent amendment, allowed member another seek 1977 denied Feldman's application Initially, stated I(b)(3), exceptions it, authorized. Following further contact Committee, however, granted informal hearing. After hearing, reaffirmed denial could waive requirement 9 June, petition App. Alternatively, requested sit 5. petition, described training, experience, other qualifications. suggested professional training education "equal received attended A.B.A. school." 4. view success passing examinations jurisdictions, "the objectives Columbia's procedures requirements frustrated granting petition." Ibid. 10 act several months. March, 1978, counsel wrote Chief Judge urge favorable petition. letter "abundantly demonstrated fitness practice law" "it would gross injustice exclude him considering individual qualifications." 6. went "in unique barring Mr. merely because accredited raise important questions Constitution federal antitrust laws—questions is prepared pursue necessary." 6-7. support position, again stressed strength breadth experience. While acknowledging strict reading prevented taking precluded "Mr. merits." 9. plenary power regulate licensing attorneys, counsel, discretion deserving "unusually high qualifications admission" "an ideal occasion exercise discretion." 11 pointed "failure consider arbitrary serious about fairness even-handedness Court's policies regarding admissions." 10. "serious raised any admissions procedure automatically rejects school, opportunity show experience provide equivalent evidence law." 10-11. cited position. Finally, basis questioning legality presumes unqualified lack degree denies them still qualify 12. 12 late responded counsel. 16. while recognized "exceptional training" fine personal qualities, purpose issue "to prevent assuming practicably impossible task making separate subjective evaluations each applicant's education; hence, objective reasonable standard prescribed utilized." light, decided upheld Committee's application. 13 On 30, order 18. simply "[o]n consideration General Rules ORDERED denied." 14 May, complaint refusal behalf. 35.2 "defendants' plaintiff's unlawful competence, well D.C. individuals 36. "a declaration defendants' actions violated Fifth Amendment Sherman Act, injunction requiring defendants either grant plaintiff immediate permit soon possible." Ibid.3 15 motion dismiss subject matter action. 78, 79.4 found "which fully encompassed constitutional statutory issues raised." 82. assume lawsuit, find itself unsupportable position reviewing jurisdiction's highest court." B 16 Hickey began 1975 Potomac Law, after concluding distinguished 20-year pilot Navy. At entered aware been ABA, thought transfer some Shortly started studies, International unapproved area. members 1975, 1976, graduating International. encouraged believe able obtain 1977, Potomac's temporary announced future graduates. 17 so 19. Navy record. affidavits four professors attesting Hickey's competence studies. suggest unfair deny him, students currently enrolled Potomac, years reliance previous policy graduates.5 impose especially severe burden age status husband father. 18 burdensome attempt comply I(b)(4), permits schools completing 24 credit hours school.6 Furthermore, contended unable ABA instructed non-degree candidates completion hour requirement. 19 20 military service "far beyond average exam candidate, possesses qualities essential good lawyer, including: judgment, maturity, courage face adversity, concern fellow man, commitment our society attention detail." 24. more than most, [he had] earned examination." June 12, waiver. 49. considered contention stated: "The Standards Procedure, amended—1977, enrollment petitioner's category Standard 506(ii) can satisfy set forth 502." Ibid.7 21 July, 60.8 alleged laws. 64-65. allegations prayer relief virtually identical complaint, see note 3, except allow earliest possible date. 66. 22 142. regard, settled exclusion attorneys function reviewed Court." 143. view, seeking challenge wholly intertwined secure exemption 46, essentially own case." light concluded "there extraordinary invoke entrusted Congress Appeals." Ibid.9 C 23 Both appealed dismissals Circuit.10 affirmed insubstantial. Gardner, 122, 1298 (1981).11 court, "were sense, thus foreclose litigation contentions therefore remanded merits. Although acknowledged "review tribunal vested solely States," id., 134, F.2d, 1310 (footnote omitted), determinations judicial. ." based conclusion finding neither nor asserted "any sort therefor." Id., 139, 1315 (emphasis original). particular, arguments "he demand entitlement." "merely asked administrative test." amounted request equating education, adjudication resort principles." omitted). 25 difficult, 140, 1316, nature "claim-of-right element" lacking. "claim all." "invoked [the court], temper favor, reasons." rejected argument certain arguments, changed proceedings. 140-141, 1316-1317. "We discern desire criticisms merits, hand down dealing them. unmistakably clear litigated, all, (footnotes omitted).12 II 26 properly obtained 1257. R. Co. Engineers, 398 281, 296, 90 1739, 1747, 234 (1970); Rooker Fidelity Trust 263 413, 415, 416, 44 149, 150, 68 362 (1923). A crucial question therefore, whether nature.13 27 distinction between ministerial occasions. Line, 150 (1908), railroad challenged rail passenger rates corporation commission. presented free enjoin implementation rate order. 223, 68. question, we assumed commission was, least purposes, court. 224, held, acted legislative opposed capacity setting rates. 69. reaching conclusion, "A inquiry investigates, declares enforces liabilities stand exist. That end. Legislation looks existing conditions thereafter all power. establishment future, kind. proceeding "depends character body proceedings." generally Roudebush Hartke, 405 15, 20-22, 92 804, 808-809, 31 (1972); Lathrop Donohue, 367 820, 827, 81 1826, 1829, 1191 (1961); Nashville, C. & St. L.R. Wallace, 288 249, 259, 345, 346, 77 730 (1933); Public Service Corboy, 250 153, 161-162, 39 440, 441-442, 63 905 (1919). 30 re Summers, 325 561, 65 1307, 89 1795 (1945), admit law. outset, noted record "customary form" treated "judicial." 563, 1309. fact, contested certiorari controversy existed Article III Federal Constitution. 564-565, 1309-1310. contention, conceded might "as performed virtue power, appointment bailiff specification eligibility rather proceeding." 566, 1310. stated, determining "we ourselves appraise refusal." conducting appraisal, 32 arises, meaning Constitution, when treaties 'such capable acting it.' rights sought, arise there actual issue, abstract significant. It effect controlling." 566-567, 1310-1311, quoting Osborn Bank (9 Wheat.) 738, 819, 204 (1824) (citations 33 Applying standard, report Character Fitness, refused certificate, should sustained. "on Id. 567, 1311. "no entry placed Clerk file, docket, roll," ibid., taken "cognizance [was] validated signature presiding officer." 34 "Where against committee, appointed advise takes cognizance appearance committee members, think give makes adversary sense true controversy. 35 claim When order, steps end, 567-569, 1311-1312 precedents clearly establish surrounding legislative, ministerial, administrative. "loo[k] chang[e] power." Nor engage 37 above, possessed requisite moral necessary jurisdiction." argued frustrate letter, 466-467, unaccredited explicit laws.14 All done background 38 essence, grounds fulfilled spirit, I(b)(3). invalid. short, [might] future. required determine granted. validity determined entitled bar," 568, 1312, it. essence proceeding. same obtains at471-472, substantively qualified supporting education. relied developing expectation well. Moreover, route being equitable considerations age, service, father most," "earned 40 As deciding fact cite explicitly does render non-judicial. basic sufficiently justify and, not, compelled inquiries. resulted acquiring 41 Admittedly, commonly associated said 1311.15 42 determination finally dispose noted, 1311, Therefore, Court.16 To mounted 43 difference lower implicitly, Doe Pringle, 550 596 (CA10 1976), action, concur [state] [state bar]. applies though, here, anchored deprivations federally protected due process equal protection rights." 599 During opinion, 45 plaintiff] relief, declared subtle fundamental two types bring court: regulations governing admission; second claim, grounds, unlawfully admission. many license rule-making administration where sought. ruled latter heard, exclusively States." 597 original).17 Tenth emphasized supreme non-judicial promulgating regulating See, e.g., Consumers Union, 446 719, 731, 100 1967, 1974, 64 641 (1980); (1961) (plurality opinion); 1310, (1945). Challenges necessarily assess If decision. giving rise prohibiting implicated. Courts, jurisdiction, 47 complaints, arbitrarily capriciously unreasonably discriminatorily inextricably decisions, 48 remaining involve supra. unconstitutional creates irrebuttable presumption fit law, discriminates means, impermissibly delegates Association, complaints.18 49 expressly reach doctrine res judicata forecloses leave remand.19 IV 50 51 So ordered. 52 STEVENS, dissenting. There crafts performs function. important, gainful occupation public profession State-created licenses standards administered Given limitations State, individual's lawsuit raising themselves case.1 Curiously, today ignores jurisdictional principles decides affecting profession. holds lawyers Columbia. agree. concludes manner. According unconstitutionally somehow constitute impermissible attempts appellate ante, 482, 483-484, n. flaws analysis. 55 First, pass right. Rather, variety reasons. characterize adjudication. Unlike Illinois right, apply relief. less board. wrote, principles," 1315, body, reasons," 140. Rejection "adjudicative" susceptible 56 Second, adjudication, statute confers entertain authorizes collateral rules. fails distinguish concepts: attack. brought alleges violations definition review. plainly federal-question 1331 (1976). reasons plaintiff—such failure cause preclusion, prove violation rights.2 violence concepts hold, does, conduct independent specific body's standards. controlled judiciary sufficient reason immunize allegedly courts. 57 respectfully dissent. graduate "may receiving semester approval." named official capacity, Admissions, Chairman Committee. 37-38. specifically five respects. thereby deprives methods liberty property 42. irrationally means Third, conclusively presuming Fourth, refusing justified rule, deprived repeatedly 43. included allegation into combination restraint trade attempted monopolize, monopolized, I, "either plaintiff," violates Amendment; rejection 43-44. schools. 44. dismiss. 80. difficulty meeting approval mere inception graduation." 23. unnecessary received. completed 87 covering subjects enroll elective courses tested 23-24. direction written " 'instructed, policy, candidates, be, requirement.' 138. citing 506 permits, among things, limited number colleges, successfully toward bachelor's regionally college university." judges capacities. 61. concerning "court entertained them." followed "this event entertaining issues." 144. advised willing "would comity economy exists." "do kind challenged." consolidated, dealt single nearly day. 1298, (1981). cross-petitions disposition claims. --- ----, 102 3483, 73 1366 (1982); Those claims, us. petitioners' barred judicata. 144, 1320. concurring dissenting part, 145, 1321, Robb expressed adverse appellants' States. appellants cast terms waivers, demands declare petitioners en banc acts writ recognized, truly judicial" ascertaining irrelevant England Medical Examiners, 375 411, 461, 440 (1964), arose abstention context, litigant's reserve though inform construed Our grants bar-related matters Schware 353 232, 752, 796 (1957), Konigsberg Bar, 252, 722, 810 366 36, 997, 105 (1961), Anastaplo, 82, 978, 135 Willner Character, 373 96, 83 1175, 224 (1963), Baird Arizona, 401 1, 91 702, 639 (1971), Stolar, 713, 657 (1971). Last Term disciplinary Middlesex County Ethics Garden Assn., 2515, 116 Cardinale Louisiana, 394 437, 1161, (1969), very early established decisions." 438, 1162. Tacon 410 351, 352, 998, 999, 346 (1973); Hill California, 797, 805, 1106, 1111, 484 (1971); Street New York, 576, 582 (1969). Cf. Raley Ohio, 360 423, 436-437, 79 1257, 1265, 1344 (1959) ("There presentation passes vindicated one claimed below. 1257(3)." omitted)); Boykin Alabama, 395 238, 242, 1709, 1711, 274 (1969); Coleman 377 129, 133, 1152, 1154, 190 (1964). limit hold failed Dasher Texas, 658 1045 (CA5 1981), gives indication her 1983 action—that constitutionally interest pursuing constituted infringed travel—in Texas Since 1257(3) adjudicated, apparent plaintiff's] following motion. states grounded rights, suit effort 1051 reasoning flawed. (1970), "lower possess whatever direct 1748. do. mean By failing forfeit result eminently defensible grounds. adjudicate Sumner Mata, 449 539, 549, 101 764, 770, 66 722 (1981); Allen McCurry, 90, 105, 420, 308 Swain Pressley, 430 372, 383, 97 1224, 1230, (1977). underlying predicate desirability arguments. saving construction response 439, 1163. context Goldfarb 421 773, 95 2004, 572 (1975), great since primary governmental administering justice, historically 'officers courts.' 792, 2016. 2523; Leis Flynt, 439 442, 99 698, 700, 58 717 (1979). MacKay Nesbett, 412 846 (CA9 1969), "[O]rders relating admission, discipline, disbarment original serves substantial interests historic relationship systems respective bars, systems." 846. Brown 623 605 1980). conclusions refuse accept entirety sum substance cases," Brief Petitioners 9; Reply 4-7, particularized adjudicating 11; 41. close discloses cases. 79, Hickey's, (1976) provides, civil laws, Constitutional may, course, fail my plaintiffs comparable Yick Wo Hopkins, 118 356, 1064, 220 (1886), craft regulated state, unquestionably

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