Document: 443 U.S. 137 99 S.Ct. 2689 61 L.Ed.2d 433 T. L. BAKER, Petitioner,v.Linnie Carl McCOLLAN. No. 78-752. Argued April 23, 1979. Decided June 26, Syllabus Respondent's brother somehow procured a duplicate of respondent's driver's license, except that it bore the brother's picture. The was arrested on narcotics charges, booked in name, and released bond. An arrest warrant intended for subsequently issued name. Pursuant to warrant, respondent, over his protest, taken into custody by Potter County, Tex., Sheriff's Department detained jail several days before error discovered he released. Claiming detention had deprived him liberty without due process law, respondent brought an action District Court against petitioner sheriff County surety under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, which imposes civil liability any person who, color state subjects another deprivation rights "secured Constitution laws." directed verdict favor surety. Appeals, characterizing cause as "[§] 1983 false imprisonment action," reversed, holding entitled have claim presented jury even though evidence supported no more than finding negligence petitioner's part. Held: Respondent failed satisfy 1983's threshold requirement plaintiff be right laws," hence cognizable 1983. Pp. 142-147. (a) Absent attack validity arrested, complaint is simply that, despite protests mistaken identity, three days. Whatever this situation might give rise tort gives Fourteenth Amendment United States Constitution. While days, pursuant conforming requirements Fourth Amendment. His detention, therefore, did not amount law. 142-145. (b) innocence charge contained while relevant imprisonment, largely irrelevant Given made only probable one accorded speedy trial, executing valid required investigate independently every innocence, whether based identity or defense such lack requisite intent. Nor official maintaining named perform error-free investigation claim. 145-146. (c) does become violation merely because defendant official. P. 146. 5 Cir., 575 F.2d 509, reversed. A. W. So Relle III, Amarillo, petitioner. Douglas R. Larson, Dallas, respondent. Mr. Justice REHNQUIST delivered opinion Court. 1 Last Term, Procunier v. Navarette, 434 555, 98 855, 55 24 (1978), we granted certiorari consider question negligent conduct can form basis award damages constitutional alleged interference part prison officials with prisoner's outgoing mail. acted conceivable mind, from "knowingly" "bad faith" "negligently inadvertently." We certiorari, however, "[w]hether failure mail certain letters states 1983." U.S., at 559 n.6, S.Ct., 858. 2 Following oral argument briefing merits, held since allegedly violated been authoritatively declared time acted, were entitled, matter prevail their qualified immunity. Quoting Wood Strickland, 420 308, 322, 95 992, 1001, 43 214 (1975), observed: "Because [the officials] could reasonably expected aware yet declared, [they] act disregard established law 'cannot characterized being good faith.' " 565, 861. It thus unnecessary reach granted. 3 In instant case, Appeals Fifth Circuit saw focal issue Baker, negligently establish identification procedures would revealed man wanted connection drug charges arrested. Accordingly, withheld decision until our handed down. Finding guidance allegation "simple negligence" relief proceeded answer affirmatively, Sheriff Baker. certiorari. 439 1114, 1015, 59 71 (1979). 4 Having around track once Procunier, supra, come conclusion simple sufficient elusive appears first blush. may well susceptible uniform across entire spectrum violations subject action. event, relationship between defendant's mind meaningfully explored, necessary isolate precise charged. For upon "who, statute, ordinance, regulation, custom, usage, State Territory, subjects, causes subjected, citizen other within jurisdiction thereof rights, privileges, immunities secured laws . ." 6 inquiry suit, has If there deprivation, wholly immaterial.1 think defer again consideration liability. 7 * Leonard McCollan Linnie are brothers. Linnie's identical original respect put it, "Leonard's picture graced instead Linnie's." Tate, 511 (CA5 1978). October 1972, Leonard, masquerading Linnie, charges. He McCollan, signed various documents bail McCollan. Leonard's bondsman sought received order allowing surrender principal "Linnie McCollan." 8 On December stopped Dallas running red light. A routine check identification. Police contacted Department, compared identifying information license records, understandably concluded they man. 30, deputies took placed Jail Amarillo. remained January 2, 1973, when appearance file photograph and, recognizing error, him. 9 "pursuant [§] App. 6. After each party rested Northern Texas Baker surety, Transamerica Insurance Co., articulating its reasons. Characterizing determined out prima facie case showing (1) intent confine, (2) acts resulting confinement, (3) consciousness victim confinement harm. court's view became immunity, turn depended reasonableness institute procedure disclosed error. Noting if sent material immediately arrival Amarillo fingerprints man, conclude behaved unreasonably failing measures. remanded new trial. II 10 wrongful. Under tort-law analysis been. here, unconstitutional. For, recognized, public liable "if subjected rights." F.2d, 512 (emphasis original). Despite recognition, analyzed so-called action" exclusively terms traditional concepts, relying heavily Restatement (Second) Torts (1965). Indeed, nowhere specifically identify infringed case. Because Appeals' focus prolonged caused adequate procedures, provision actions presumably Amendment's protection deprivations 11 By virtue "incorporation" Amendment, requires provide fair reliable determination condition significant pretrial restraint liberty. Ger- stein Pugh, 103, 854, 54 (1975). probable-cause "must judicial officer either promptly after arrest." Id., 125, 869. Since adversary hearing required, standard same arrest, magistrate constitutionally separate detain pending trial.2 12 facially suggestion deficient. makes clear solely Baker's incarcerated: 13 "McCollan's wrong name discover change initial but rather intentional determine imprisoned." Brief 12. 14 purposes analysis, then, parsed relative ease. retrieved ascertained. claims indeed period conforming, decision, Obviously, position indefinitely face repeated met standards likewise guarantees accused invocation trial need await indictment formal charge; itself sufficient. Marion, 404 307, 92 455, 30 468 (1971).3 assume, arguendo, depending what affords defendants following prior actual mere will lapse deprive "liberty law." But quite New Year's weekend deprivation. 15 most all jurisdictions, law.4 guarantee guilty did, acquitted—indeed, suspect manifold procedural protections afforded criminal Bill Rights "without limits." Patterson York, 432 197, 208, 97 2319, 2326, 53 281 (1977). "Due require step taken, whatever cost, eliminate possibility convicting innocent person." Ibid. 16 protect protects accomplished reasonable division functions enforcement officers, committing magistrates, officers—all whom potential action—is entirely consistent "due do charged ultimate hands judge jury.5 III 17 closed summary holding: 18 "We saying arresting duty exercise diligence making sure actually someone similar See (2d) comment (d) (1965)." 513. 19 Section protected Constitution, duties care arising Remedy latter type injury must court principles. Just "[m]edical malpractice prisoner," Estelle Gamble, 429 97, 106, 285, 292, 50 251 (1976), 20 judgment therefore 21 Reversed. 22 BLACKMUN, concurring. 23 long struggled define "liberty" Due Process Clause today looks provisions "incorporated" Clause, including free unreasonable seizures, bail, none those incorporated apply concludes deny during holiday weekend. Ante, 144-145. Court's cases occasion defined specific Rights. example, found police "shocks conscience" denial process. Rochin California, 342 165, 172, 72 205, 209, 96 L.Ed. 183 (1952). Harlan wrote: "This 'liberty' series isolated points pricked Rights]. rational continuum which, broadly speaking, includes freedom substantial arbitrary impositions purposeless restraints." Poe Ullman, 367 497, 543, 81 1752, 1776-1777, 989 (1961) (dissenting opinion). also Roe Wade, 410 113, 152-156, 93 705, 726-728, 35 147 (1973). 25 so otherwise offensive "concept ordered liberty," Palko Connecticut, 302 319, 325, 58 149, 151, 82 288 (1937), denied Nothing suggests outrageousness. 40 incident occurred, viewing facts light favorable lay supervise who transferred kept "intended confine" knowledge office awareness occurred ineffective. contrast STEVENS MARSHALL point out, post, 151-152 turned deaf ear protests, checked files soon parties lawsuit. I Rizzo Goode, 423 362, 384-387, 598, 610-611, 46 561 (1976) opinion), reckless stop pattern clearly unconstitutional subordinates enjoined here indication aware, should likelihood misidentification subordinates' 26 understand speak applied foreclose prisoner predicament prove deliberately repeatedly refused complaining readily available mug shots fingerprints. Such far "shocking" anything done. notes existence violation, ante, 140 n. 1, reserves lengthy incarceration process, 144, "every" investigated independently, agree STEVENS' suggestion, 154 14, foreclosed seeking writ habeas corpus. my understanding, surveyed seeks, concur join opinion. 27 MARSHALL, dissenting. 28 dissenting Brother STEVENS, add two additional words. As neither "negligence" nor "mere involved. This constituted not, these circumstances, negligence. misidentification, possessed suggesting incorrect, see 151 (STEVENS, J., dissenting), absolutely effort eight rights. 29 BRENNAN join, When deprives prepared justify continued well.1 authorized raised next days—despite identity—was law" meaning record employed calculated commission crime fact believed offense. judgment, occasioned absence 31 member City Force September 11, 1972; city officers photographed fingerprinted 6, County. At time, contrary normal practice, sheriff's possession carrying. They apparent altered. testified alteration kind arrestee using alias.2 32 professional posted bond November 3, reasons appear record, brother. re-arrest issued. name.3 Although questioned warrant—presumably sheriff—he emphasized altered gave reason believe alias. 33 traffic Dallas. patrolman radio learned outstanding. Over station. desk sergeant telephoned apparently sex, race, date birth corresponded provided sheriff. No mention obviously carrying ticketed offense.4 short, alias motivate special verify arrestee's 34 allowed remain lockup four picked up. so, follow used comparable offices. take pictures them wanted. Nor, returned jail, refer prints notwithstanding ready availability information.5 ensuing included away office. nevertheless busy staff about 150 prisoners designed house 88.6 all, effect led pull compare Of course, recognized mistake 36 evident 8-day least cut half different followed marked indicate probably alias, thorough prompt surely made; promptly, arrived left pickup feasible, mailing photographs error; up them, Dallas; delegated authority review complaints absence, spent jail. almost regular verifying resulted release 37 individual conviction improperly suggestive. exclusion obtained through presenting "a very misidentification." Simmons States, 390 377, 384, 88 967, 971, 1247. Fair used, prevent "irreparable misidentification" attaching conviction. Ibid.7 equally ensure detention. 38 Pretrial unquestionably involves serious "The consequences arrest. imperil suspect's job, interrupt source income, impair family relationships." Gerstein 114, 863, 54. burdens ones impose presumptively committed crime.8 To man—on mistakenly identified inadequate procedures—seems me odds restraints imposed performance investigative stops,9 establishment arrest,10 questioning suspects custody.11 activities, conform mandated serve minimize risk wrongful unjustified personal little sense enforce limits detaining believes crimes requiring adherence is. 39 rejecting relies alternative rationales. First, seems hold provides assurance detentions, valid. cannot agree. place weeks months—if years—after arrest.12 And many persons—as 49% Columbia—are never tried dropped some trial.13 Alternatively, majority last minimal protections. relevance good-faith defense14—an here—it coincidence hardly reduces view; indeed, regard particularly weekend, higher time. applicable weekend; made, five confirming according customary departments.15 41 Certainly, occasional mistakes conscientious operating strictest procedures. Here, problems insubstantial results lightly dismissed significance. practice centralized data bank now policy, County,16 literally hundreds thousands per day nationwide.17 coincidental similarity names, birthdays, descriptions substantial;18 reflected processed Court,19 emphasis securing fingerprint responsible national computer system.20 societal interests apprehending avoiding demand persons am govern aspect profession's work, hesitation concluding total commands. respectfully dissent. place, apart contains qualification nature respond provisions. contention detain, stated: "These safeguards essential sole further proceedings. reliably hearing. That standard—probable crime—traditionally decided nonadversary proceeding hearsay written testimony, approved informal modes proof." 120, 866 (footnote omitted). course dissent's quotation statement Schilb Kuebel, 357, 365, 479, 484, 502 (1971), "the Eighth proscription excessive assumed application Amendment." Post, 149 1. inference dissent draw statement—that bail—would, correct, supply resort set Rights, above discussed text. statutory authorizes redress; section substantive method vindicating federal elsewhere conferred parts statutes describes. Cases Neil Biggers, 409 188, 198, 375, 381, 401 (1972), relied dissent, post 152-153, 7, way contradict view. discussion context use eyewitness testimony punished. Bell Wolfish, 441 520, 1861, 60 447 We, deal where newly evidence. Most Fed.Rule Crim.Proc. claims. seem virtually impossible admittedly concededly constitute 113-114, 862-863, ("[T]he Amendment"); Stack Boyle, 4, ("Unless preserved, presumption centuries struggle, lose meaning"). 36-40. 40-42, 118. id., 42-43. himself departments size send material." 44-45, 52-53. 83. Foster 394 440, 89 1127, 402; 382, ("It violates Foster"). 388 218, 228, 87 1926, 1933, 1149 ("The vagaries well-known; annals rife instances identification"). 569, n.7 1889-1890, (MARSHALL, dissenting); 593, 1895 dissenting). Terry Ohio, 392 1868, 889; Delaware Prouse, 440 648, 1391, 660. See, e. g., Dunaway 442 200, 2248, 824; Spinelli 393 410, 584, 637. Brewer Williams, 430 387, 1232, 51 424; Miranda Arizona, 384 436, 86 1602, 694; Turner Pennsylvania, 338 62, 69 1352, 1810 (coerced confession excluded grounds "trustworthiness" test met). 183. Barker Wingo, 407 514, 2182, 101 (delay years constitutional). K. Brosi, Cross-City Comparison Felony Case Processing Nationally, 40% adult arrestees filing Y. Kamisar, LaFave, & J. Israel, Modern Criminal Procedure (1974). argued support immune defense, corpus Yet majority's holding, relief, deputies' keeping policies time"). (testimony Baker). May 1979, 7,285,951 records base National Crime Information Center (NCIC), computerized operated Federal Bureau Investigation assist federal, state, local agencies. average 279,966 requests system daily officials. According study conducted International Association Chiefs Police, 5,000 filed asserting 1967 1971. figure represented number suits alleging misconduct. Survey Misconduct Litigation 1967-1971, p. (Americans Effective Law Enforcement 1974). Ulster Allen, 140, 2213, 777, respondents response headquarters. Mackey, 387 F.Supp. 1121 (Nev.1975) (individual inaccurate information). generally Note, Garbage In, Gospel Out: Establishing Probable Cause Through Computerized Transmittals, Hastings L.J. 509 (1976); DeWeese, Reforming "Record Prisons": Proposal Regulation Data Banks, Rutgers-Camden (1974) (citing report 35% inaccuracy histories maintained FBI). NCIC system, "[e]ach offender history cycle card basic document. preserve integrity system." NCIC, History Program; Background, Concept Policy (FBI "[T]he long-standing element justice 13.

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