Document: 375 U.S. 162 84 S.Ct. 295 11 L.Ed.2d 224 UNITED STATES, Petitioner,v.Kenneth Leroy BEHRENS. No. 86.—October Term, 1963. Argued Oct. 17, Decided Dec. 9, Louis F. Claiborne, for petitioner. Mr. Aribert L. Young, Indianapolis, Ind., respondent. Justice BLACK delivered the opinion of Court. 1 Respondent was convicted in a United States District Court an assault with intent to murder, offense punishable under 18 U.S.C. § 113(a) 'by imprisonment not more than twenty years.' Desiring detailed information as basis determining sentence be imposed, trial judge decided proceed 'under flexible provisions (s) 4208' Accordingly, he committed respondent custody Attorney General await study by Director Bureau Prisons respondent's previous delinquency, criminal experience, social background, etc. His order provided that after results and Director's recommendations were reported court, commitment, deemed 20 years, would 'be subject modification accordance Title 4208(b).'1 2 After report received, court entered providing 'that period heretofore imposed reduced Five (5) years' Board Parole might decide when should eligible parole. Neither nor his counsel present this court's commitment 4208(b) entered. No direct appeal taken, but moved vacate 28 2255. The denied relief, Appeals reversed remanded directions on ground it error district impose final absence petitioner counsel.2 In another case, Corey v. States, 307 F.2d 839, First Circuit held original 4208(b), fixing sentence, which marked point from time began running. Because disagreement between two appellate courts' interpretation general confusion Court's Courts section's exact meaning effect, we granted certiorari both cases.3 3 asking grant Solicitor conceded if action term judgment purposes appeal, then defendant plainly entitled have himself taken. We today, reasons set out our post, p. 169, finally 208(b) upon is final, appealable order. For those well below, hold erred case when, modifying its oral order, fixed counsel. It plain far concerned wholly tentative. That section merely provides 'shall maximum sentence,' does make sentence. whole using is, own language, get 'more * *.' (Emphasis supplied.) only makes decision what will be. Rule 43 Federal Rules Criminal Procedure specifically requires 'at every stage including imposition true same rule defendant's presence required 35. But reduction 35 quite different determination refers power reduce has already become respect. There no such finality at preliminary commitment. use postpones sentence; decides studies reports mental physical health, etc., assist making up mind shall judge's words are spoken punishment fixed. right afforded opportunity statement behalf most importance. This right, ancient law, recognized 32(a) Rules, 'afford any mitigation punishment.' largely lost 4208 proceeding administrative convenience permitted invoke counts pronounced.4 4 Affirmed. 5 HARLAN, concurring result. 6 I agree result reached all reasoning my Brother BLACK'S opinion. More particularly, disagreeing do rationale decision, draw support conclusion here reached. 7 language explici question whether must allowed imposes sentence.1 however, clear statute contemplate deliberated appropriate As first plain, procedures outlined therein called into play 'if desires Although later 'the originally imposed,' intended permit 'maximum prescribed law' 'deemed be' committed. illustrates absurdity other conclusion; there years conviction false claims against Government. See U.S., 171, S.Ct., 300. 8 Once actually sentenced until inquiry during completed, requirements justice, always supervisory over federal courts, leave doubt made. elementary speak behalf, embodied Procedure, satisfied allowing him prior proceedings deferment actual Even earlier, assurance comes remember give them due weight. Moreover, sentencing can respond definitive judge. 9 Whether or Constitution procedure now necessary decide. Congress having clearly contrary,2 concur provides: 'If may commit General, described subsection (c) hereof. study, together believes helpful disposition furnished within three months unless grants time, exceed additional months, further study. receiving recommendations, discretion: (1) Place prisoner probation authorized 3651 title, (2) affirm orginally imprisonment, offender applicable provision law. run date section.' Cir., 312 223. 371 966, 83 550, 537; 373 902, 1290, 10 198. House Committee Judiciary reporting favorably proposed identical indicated saw necessity being H.R.R.ep. 1946, 85th Cong., 2d Sess., 10. failed passage one added Senate adopted without discussion committee conference reports. S.Rep. 2013, Sess.; H.R.Rep. 2579, U.S.Code Congressional Administrative News, 1958, 3891. supporting position appeared bill Act itself. inclined expand section, thereby constitutional reading silence depriving urge leniency last relevant materials before him. Section A pending discretion court. S.1956, 88th 1st Sess. legislative history majority, ante, 166, note 4, proposal seems me sufficient indication congressional require disregard important involved particularly light possible issues raised.

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