Document: 336 U.S. 704 69 S.Ct. 814 93 L.Ed. 993 GRIFFINv.UNITED STATES. No. 417. Argued Dec. 15, 16, 1948. Decided April 25, 1949. Rehearing Denied May 31, See 337 921, 1152. Mr. Francis J. Kelly, of Washington, D.C., for petitioner. Charles B. Murray, respondent. Justice FRANKFURTER delivered the opinion Court. 1 This case was brought here under § 1254(1) Title 28 United States Code, U.S.C.A. to review dismissal by Court Appeals District Columbia an appeal from denial a motion new trial on ground evidence discovered after petitioner had been convicted murder in first degree. 335 866, 139. The decisive issue is admissibility that evidence. question arises not through its exclusion at but order be able introduce it as newly discovered. 2 petitioner, Baxter Griffin, Lee Hunter. killing outcome quarrel. Admitting he shot Hunter, Griffin claimed did so self-defense. His story deceased and were playing card game called blackjack, Hunter demanded larger share pot than his right, upon refusal pay, 'jumped up started around table, with hand pocket, told me would kick my teeth out head.' On cross-examination added threatened kill him. Accordingly, continued, advanced toward him pocket. version occurrence contradicted five Government witnesses. Each testified argument, nothing do which, according their account, over before fracas began. According them, this what happened: made some remark about taking Hunter's wife baby Griffin's house; replied petitioner's down throat; thereupon left house returned within ten minutes gun, return who no move spot where standing. admitted saw time evidence, summarized, jury March 28, 1947, found guilty degree; 18, sentenced death; December 8, conviction affirmed, 83 U.S.App.D.C. 20, 164 F.2d 903; 1948, denied certiorari, 333 857, 68 727, 92 1137. 3 7, little more month day set execution, began present proceedings trial. It based affidavits then counsel averred recently come knowledge attendant morgue opened penknife trousers' pocket prosecutor knew failed circumstance or make available defense. further alleged there cards floor immediately shooting, fact which would, known defense, have tended corroborate statement progress shooting. An extended hearing allegation regarding scattered fatal shooting adequately met, need detain us. 4 As discovery, undisclosed knife deceased, conceded despite neither introduced nor felt any duty justified view inadmissible, since presence communicated either sight otherwise. Judge took law In unreported opinion, stated, 'The whether person attacking assailant self-defense must determined facts presented pleads He (Griffin) know, appears, open therefore existence irrelevant.' having taken, moved dismiss 'the issues raised appellant's fully explored court below disposition them manifestly correct.' dismissed unanimous Appeals, presided judge whom one alert protecting rights accused. 5 Unfortunately, evidently thought dismissing too clear require explication. without expression views claim rests. may well done nature inadmissible. That reason members later petition habeas corpus lends support such interpretation summary now review. v. Clemmer, 351, 169 961.1 But solicitude life bars reliance inference, especially quite different seems us appropriate address itself directly admissibility. rule inference may, apply ng Johnson, 327 106, 66 464, 90 562, deemed basis solely matter court's discretion. 6 Were declare controverted admissible prevailing District, consider dogmatic, mere speculation, conclude attached significance favorable defendant it. If decided disputed sustained trial, end matter. assumed granted certiorari ruling determination local are rules State Courts. 7 We told, however, permit introduction 'uncommunicated threats' constitute 'egregious error' corrected Fisher States, 328 463, 476, 1318, 1324, 1382, 166 A.L.R. 1176. Wigmore vouched authority uncommunicated threats 'virtually all Courts.' follows words quoted series qualifications limitations prove few questions trials occasioned greater contrariety views. Wigmore, Evidence 111 (3d Ed., 1940).2 By way example, most jurisdictions hold inadmissible proof initiative, aggressor other proffered threats. rested it, weighty aggressor. Indeed, we know might mind concerning admit yet guard against danger fabrication placing responsibility excluding absence satisfactory hostile manifestation relevant killing. At least has rule. Carter, 197 La. 155, 158, So.2d 62. reject unreasonable rule, followed courts, let in, even witnesses oppose defendant's 8 One thing clear. There 'federal rule' subject. decision Wiggins People, etc., Utah, 465, 23 941, does purport lay general formulate evidentiary problem controversy. case, light identification aggressor, offered exhibited pistol said, though accused, 'he went bed night.' naturally held should admitted. because 'it strongly show came from, how pistol, chamber emptied, ground.' supra, page 470. 9 assuming described admissible, follow also Columbia. Court, decisions, Congress, enactment statutes, often recognized appropriateness another far they subject federal law. Thus, first-degree cases that, unless vote agrees penalty death, fix sentence imprisonment life. 35 Stat. 1151, 1152, 18 U.S.C. 567, 1111, 1111; (1948), Andres 740, 880, 1055. cannot look soften penalty; given death sentence. 31 1321, 43 799, D.C.Code 22—2404, Johnson 225 405, 32 748, 56 1142. Furthermore, Court's 1176, makes when refused reverse establishing interpreting statutes places Congress jurisdiction. fact, pains point 'Congress * expediency separate provisions' pertaining criminal justice applicable exclusively contradistinction Criminal Code governing offenses amendable jurisdiction elsewhere. 418, 752, 10 Many reflect distinctive position matters Compare 1149, 516, 516 ('federal' adultery statute), repealed, p. 2415 1332, 22—301 (District statute); compare 1143, §§ 2031, 2032, (1948) rape statute) 1322, 41 798, 22—2801 1144, 2111, 2111 robbery 22—2901 466, 466 larceny (1948),3 50 628, 22—2201 statute). requires two volumes contain 'all permanent laws relating force Columbia, January 3, 1941, except application being nature.' reface (1940 Ed.). can enact substantive Columbia,4 ought opportunity long chosen offend statutory constitutional limitations. 11 spouses strikingly illustrates stands apart generally courts. courts spouse testify waives privilege. Miles 103 304, 26 481; Bassett 137 496, 165, 34 762; cf. Mitchell, Cir., 1006, 1008. Since Funk changed, 290 371, 373, 54 212, 78 369, 1136, presumably still lower Halback Hill, 49 App.D.C. 127, 261 F. 1007; Buford Buford, 81 169, 156 568; Dobbins 218, 157 257; 1358, 14 306. Another example afforded statute just cited provided could favor contrary. Jin Fuey Moy 254 189, 98, 65 214; Hendrix 219 79, 193, 55 102, both overruled supra. 12 forth serious wise solution full difficulty. apparently below, bar give consideration importance. argued briefs. Under circumstances announce Nothing said various possible choices intended preference among competing threats, slightest restriction freedom own choice. purposely withhold merits permissible Certainly our decisions forecloses selecting range each rational basis. heretofore appellate tribunal determining evidence; active experience practical considerations murder, plainly outside preoccupation 13 precisely reasons decade declined convictions single exception, every these part involved. Appendix gives legal involved fourteen certiorari. course manifests uniformity respect rulings evidence.5 Reference attempts secure disregards repeated admonition imports decision. These denials remotely imply approval District. What establish become settled practice recognize formulation purely determined—in specific Congressional legislation—by highest Previous was, noted, exception consistent refusal, past decade, bring District.6 powerfully underlines necessity pass initially issue. affirmed essentially principle procedure keeping exercised administration affected peculiarly concern. Matters enforcement entrusted Our policy interfere fashion, save exceptional situations egregious error committed.' Such 176. While evoked dissent, rendered declared law, none dissenters 15 remand instructions decide, instance, prevail To otherwise unwarranted departure coming 'There cogent why undertake decide aid judges familiar intricacies trends practice. ordinarily conveniently instance whose special function resolve presides. Huddleston Dwyer, 322 232, 237, 64 1015, 1018 (88 1246), cited. Only will District.' Busby Electric Utilities Employees Union, 323 72, 74—75, 142, 143, 144, 89 78. APPENDIX 16 Summary Disposition Petitions Certiorari Review Death Sentences Conviction First-degree Murder 1938. 17 Reported at-- Case Questions U. S. 2d 19 1. 926, O. T. 1939... Insufficiency 310/643 111/199 20 McAffee 2. Use confession. 3. Interpretation 21 staute. 22 260, 1942... Abandonment felony 317/656 130/411 Mumforde Admission statements 24 counsel. 25 Charge jury. 341, 1944... confession 323/754 144/519 27 Neely 29 4. 1057, 325/850 147/572 30 Mergner Instructions premeditation. 270, O.T. 1945 Was prima facie (denial lunacy haaring). petition? 33 5. 122, 1945... Granted 326/768 150/977 premeditation Refusal instructions. (see 36 1318). 37 6. 363, into 326/788 150/593 38 McFarland victim's blood-stained clothes. circumstantial 39 40 Newly Blood-detection test. 42 7. 1242, expert testimony. 328/873 155/857 Medley 44 Time file plea abatement. 45 8. 1097, 1946... unrelated crimes 331/830 158/652 46 Hawkins 47 48 9. 276 Misc. Cross-examination 333/857 164/903 1947. 51 52 10. No 300 1947 Jury improperly constituted 333/829 165/225 53 Wheeler Restrictive cross-examination. Misconduct judge. 11. Sufficiency 333/830 Patton Separation 57 12. 519 1947... Judge's comment 333/838 164/716 58 Fook Prejudicial remarks 59 13. 553 334/853 168/161 60 proof. 61 Hall Improper use peremptory 62 challenges. 63 14. 554 Misc.* Gray 67 15. Admissibility 225/866 --------- 1948 (instant case). Groffin (now 417). 70 MURPHY, dissenting. 71 die justification self shot. seeks newly-discovered 72 admissible. Uncommunicated designs motive killing, demonstrate design exist. 1940), 111, 547. certainly People Territory 941; Trapp New Mexico, 968. And thoroughly desirable A entitled lending credence theory case. good behind rule: only supporting 73 element defendant, stated above. Courts exceptions three considered (3). central foundation: distrust jury's ability evaluate kind bottomed distrust, course. clearly misplaced directed capability weighing value simple; calculated inflame; difficult fabricate threats; prosecution easily importance; provides solid theory. stronger Wiggins,' difference distinction. very raises doubt question. Defendant's testimony, plea, doubt. 74 change verdict. depend mechanical illogical variations size judge's invasion function. 'It pertinent remark, effect (the witnesses') testimony (their) credibility weighed jury.' 469. 75 attempt justify Instead, cites upset 'long Columbia': 'mental deficiency irresponsibility' 'a factor accused second degree.' 'matters District' reversal 'radical common concepts' thus 'more properly exercise legislative power discretion pages 471, 473, 1322. 76 Fisher, judiciary's method ill suited sweeping changes necessary insanity. indirect attack problem, admitting one's premeditation, lead whole rather offense charged. 77 Despite radical change, judiciary correct injustice common-law rules. Those arguments rejected. rejected limited I referred. Today extends calls holding reviewable proposition. warrant statute. thirteen petitions last years complete Terms 5.1% forma pauperis granted. percentage pauperis, same period fluctuated between 14.9 22.7.1 When deny nineteen twenty four petitions, capital reflects those class cases. particularly true sample fifteen cases—is small compared number asked review, considers 'Nothing fallacious facts, figures.' For figures reveal peculiar kind. 79 Self-limitation powers worthy thing, attractive behest ultimate trials. phrased, premises responsible asks expound. rules' Fisher's. 80 contrary abuse discretion,2 reasonable possibility3 lessen verdict degree murder. CHIEF JUSTICE, DOUGLAS, RUTLEDGE join opinion. 961, writ alleging detention illegal procured unfair conduct prosecutor. filed unfairness failure disclose finding lack court, doctrine Zerbst, 304 458, 1019, 82 1461, 146 357. irrelevant proceeding. precarious treat quote length Wigmore's subject: 'This (uncommunicated threats) virtually following discrim nations noted: '(3) much sort Not manufactured; but, genuine, employed help justification,—in certain communities least, compelled repeatedly threat shoot latter sight. attempted: '(a) Most adopt seem negative '(b) (as provide) aggression deceased. unually expressed saying 'demonstration hostility,' or, shortly, 'overt act,' say limitation originated 'res gestae' notion (infra) overt act self-defence, merely preventing rate, limitation, multiplication quibbles acts' avoided leaving hands judge; prevents trying pretext justifying making actual injure '(c) condition, sometimes suggested, inconsistent stringent preceding one, received direct i.e. eye-witnesses. Perhaps combination (b) (c) best; eye-witnesses deceased's aggression, affair. '(4) additional use, independent preceding, receives 'confirmation' 'corroboration' usually coupled alternative condition admission. '(5) invoked receiving underlies occa- sional suggestion 'characterize' conduct. employment veil obscurity elsewhere examined (post, 1795); enough fit rules; sooner phrases abandoned, better clearness thought. '(6) impossible ascertain exact precedents ignored, tests laid succeeding rulings, precedents; oftener comes ruling, obscured. '(7) rebut countertestimony peaceful plans. whenever issue, begin also, 63, ante, character. '(8) sundry doctrines. '(9) third admitted, desired he, '(10) plaintiff prosecuting witness material, foregoing principles. '(11) Other amounting indicating (on 390, post) logic showing prior communication defendant.' Evidence, 1940). repeal provisions detract illustrative significance. '* anomalous punishing crime differently jurisdictions. legislation conditions. if annomalous, argument drawn solve existed national jurisdiction, for, seen, qualified exist enacted. certainly, enacting bar, denied, work lawyers needs citizens well, organizations bodies them. yielding recommendations precedent. control territories, enacted Alaska.' 417—418, impressive 5% behalf convicts statistics meaning. mass laymen, pathetically trivial frivolous endeavors incarcerated procure hope faded. draw inferences figure fungible raised, state remedies exhausted, jurisdictional reasons. wholly nature. They represented seriously errors occurred trial—they adjudications merits. mute disapproval, deference situation England appeals illumination importance abstention already Between establishment Appeal Act 1907 585 House Lords. taken Director Public Prosecutions obtains certificate Attorney General involves public importance, interest brought.' Act, 1907, Edw. VII, c. 23. indebted above kindness England, Rt. Hon. Sir Hartley Shawcross. therefor 334 853, 1509. NOTE —The during decade. Copeland 308, 152 769, 841, 1010. Annual Report Administrative Office Table A1. 562. concedes 'reasonable possibility' standard proper, Wagner 118 801; Evans 122 461; Weiss 675; Berry Georgia, Ga. 511.

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