Document: 506 U.S. 80 113 S.Ct. 554 121 L.Ed.2d 474 REPUBLIC NATIONAL BANK OF MIAMI, Petitioner,v.UNITED STATES. No. 91-767. Argued Oct. 5, 1992. Decided Dec. 14, Syllabus* The Government filed a civil action in the District Court, alleging that particular residence was subject to forfeiture under 21 U.S.C. § 881(a)(6) because its owner had purchased it with narcotics trafficking proceeds. After United States Marshal seized property, petitioner Bank, which claimed lien recorded mortgage, agreed Government's request for sale of proceeds were retained by pending disposition case. A trial on merits resulted judgment denying Bank's claim prejudice and forfeiting States. When Bank timely notice appeal but failed post supersedeas bond or seek stay execution judgment, Marshal, at request, transferred Treasury. Court Appeals then granted motion dismiss, holding, inter alia, removal from judicial district terminated Court's rem jurisdiction. Held: is reversed, case remanded. 932 F.2d 1433 (CA 11 1991), reversed Justice BLACKMUN delivered opinion respect Parts I, II, IV, concluding that, an action, not divested jurisdiction prevailing party's transfer res district. "settled" rule relies over such proceeding depends upon continued control res—does exist. Rather, applicable general principle jurisdiction, once vested, discontinuance possession, although exceptions may exist where, example, release would render "useless" could neither be complainant nor restored claimant. See, e.g., v. Little Charles, 26 F.Cas. 979. Brig Ann, 13 (9 Cranch) 289, 290, 3 L.Ed. 734, distinguished. fictions developed primarily expand reach courts furnish remedies aggrieved parties, provide party means defeating adversary's redress. Pp. ____, ____. THE CHIEF JUSTICE part, underlying rendered absence specific congressional appropriation authorizing payment funds petitioner. Even if there circumstances where have been deposited into Treasury returned absent appropriation, cf. Knote States, 95 149, 154, 24 442, unnecessary plow uncharted ground here. For together, 31 1304—the judgments against States—and 28 2465 —requiring return property entry claimants proceedings—would authorize this event prevail below. See OPM Richmond, 496 414, 432, 110 2465, 2476, 387. BLACKMUN, J., announced REHNQUIST, C.J., WHITE, STEVENS, O'CONNOR, SCALIA, KENNEDY, SOUTER, JJ., joined, Part III, STEVENS joined. as THOMAS, concurred part joined JJ. concurring opinion. opinions judgment. Stanley A. Beiley, Miami, Fla., Robert Long, Jr., Washington, D.C., respondent. III O'CONNOR 1 issue whether continue exercise after res, form cash, removed 2 * In February 1988, instituted Southern Florida seeking specified single-family Coral Gables. complaint alleged Indalecio Iglesias true property; he trafficking; pursuant 511(a)(6) Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention Control Act 1970, amended, 92 Stat. 3777, 881(a)(6).1 warrant arrest issued, it. response complaint, Thule Holding Corporation, Panama corporation, asserting question. Petitioner Republic National Miami interest $800,000 mortgage 1987. subsequently withdrew claim. At Government, property. With court approval, sold $1,050,000. App. 6, n. 2. 4 merits, entered 881(a)(6). 25. found probable cause believe completed construction thereon drug profits. It went reject innocent-owner defense forfeiture. One Single Family Residence, 731 F.Supp. 1563 (SD Fla.1990).2 appeal, did 5 Thereafter, Assets Forfeiture Fund moved dismiss want 4. 6 motion. (CA11 1991). Relying en banc decision Lear Jet Aircraft, 836 1571, cert. denied, 487 1204, 108 2844, 101 881 (1988), held F.2d, 1435-1436. also rejected argument personal served Id., 1436-1437. Finally, ruled estopped contesting agreement retain order Court. 1437. 7 view inconsistency apparent uncertainty among Courts Appeals,3 we certiorari. --- ----, 112 1159, 117 406 (1992). II 8 rem, "which shall conform near proceedings admiralty." 2461(b). arguing deprived what describes settled admiralty principle: res. We, however, find no established our cases. Certainly, long has understood valid seizure prerequisite initiation proceeding. Assortment 89 Firearms, 465 354, 363, 104 1099, 1105, 79 361 (1984); Taylor Carryl, 61 (20 How.) 583, 599, 15 1028 (1858); S. Friedell, Benedict Admiralty 222, p. 14-39 (7th ed. 1992); H. Hawes, Law Relating Subject Jurisdiction (1886). Supplemental Rules Certain Maritime Claims C(2) C(3). bulk cases stands merely unexceptionable proposition, comports fact admiralty, "seizure RES, publication monition invitation appear, regarded equivalent service process law equity." How.), 599. 9 To extent actually discernible need presence expressed Rio Grande, 90 (23 Wall.) 458, 23 158 (1875), 979 (CC Va.1818). latter case, Chief Marshall, sitting Circuit Justice, explained "continuance possession" necessary maintain citing "general principle, divested, state things should arrive original exercised." 982. noted some might exception rule, "the thing libellants, claimants." Ibid. He explained, "will apply any will effect whatever." Similarly, improper ship marshal divest "We do understand actual continuous possession required sustain court. vessel brought within complete." Wall.), 463. emphasized impropriety ship's release. now suggests "injustice" requirement control. But question one see why res' make difference.4 10 Only once, 734 (1815), events subsequent initial destroyed action. brig Long Island Sound port New Haven, collector took forfeited Several days later, gave written orders cargo seizure. Before leave, issued information, taken his possession. This attachment voluntarily released before libel allowed, Writing Story cognizance requires "a good subsisting time when information allowed. If completely explicitly abandoned, voluntary act who made seizure, all rights are gone. Although attached, proceedings; can revived only new is, respect, like capture, which, well made, gives authority prize proceed adjudication, abandoned instituted." 291 (emphasis added). 12 Fairly read, Ann simply restates must constructive suit initiated. seizing abandons prior filing it, effect, renounced result "to purge away acquired seizure," ibid., and, unless commence. nothing more than this. invoked thus does exist, reason should. Continental Grain Co. Barge FBL-585, 364 19, 23, 1470, 1473, 1540 (1960); Malek Adhel, 43 (2 210, 233, 239 (1844), Of course, "defendant stealthily absconds leaves plaintiff collect," Jet, 1579 (Vance, dissenting), determine "useless." Cf. F.Cas., So, too, adjudicate These exceptions, closely related traditional, theoretical concerns jurisdiction: enforceability judgments, fairness parties. R. Casad, Civil Actions 1.02, pp. 1-13 1-14 (2d 1991); Miller 78 (11 268, 294-295, 20 135 (1870) ("Confessedly object writ bring keep there, give world. objects fully accomplished direction hold court, notice."). Neither absolutely 14 Stasis maintenance person survives change circumstances, Leman Krentler-Arnold Co., 284 448, 454, 52 238, 241, 76 389 (1932) ("[A]fter final decree cannot defeat appellate tribunal removing cause," Nations Johnson, 65 (24 195, 16 628 (1860)), subject-matter, Louisville, N.A. & C.R. Louisville Trust 174 552, 566, 19 817, 822, 1081 (1899) (mid-suit citizenship destroy diversity jurisdiction); St. Paul Mercury Indemnity Red Cab 303 283, 289-290, 58 586, 590-591, 82 845 (1938) (jurisdiction reduction amount controversy). Nothing nature treat differently. conjured genuine, decide outlived usefulness, whether, event, ever used plaintiff—the instigator action—to contest court's rule's illusory obviates inquiries, lack justification undermines creation. We agree late Judge Vance's remark 1577: "although require depart seems common sense, departure unjustified unsupported override sense District.5 contends, longer reached, because, having Treasury, appropriation. so, moot, or, viewed another way, falls "useless judgment" above, 17 Appropriations Clause, Const., Art. 9, cl. 7, provides: "No money drawn Consequence Law." 442 (1877), President repay convicted traitor pardoned. Government—implicitly brief oral argument, Tr. Oral Arg. 37-39—now goes further, maintaining their way account remain regardless origin ownership. Such lead seemingly bizarre results. Ninth recently observed: "If, agent scooped up cash dispute without waiting order, run nearest outpost . absurd say Congress restore purloined court." Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) Currency, 860 1511, 1514 (1988). Yet absurdity appears logical consequence position. 18 Perhaps so absurd. instances private pays federal agency later deemed entitled refund, assumed obtain money. 55 Comp.Gen. 625 (1976); General Accounting Office, Principles Federal Law, 5-80 5-81 (1982). Congress, therefore, passed permanent indefinite " 'Refund Moneys Erroneously Received Covered' other collections erroneously properly chargeable appropriation." 1322(b)(2). interpreted authorize, refund charges assessed investment advisers Securities Exchange Commission those erroneous light decisions 243 (1975); Presto Industries, Inc. 219 Ct.Cl. 626, 630 (1979) (suggesting version 1322(b)(2) authorized sum during litigation). Section arguably applies offers different suggestion. identifies That statute states: "Upon claimant condemn forfeit forthwith agent." hardly standard language 1301(d). I difficulty imagining how "appropriation" determined belong specific.6 reason, formal these circumstances. Clause governs belongs "assure[s] public spent according letter difficult reached Congress." 428, 2473, 387 (1990) added); Stith, Congress' Power Purse, 97 Yale L.J. 1343, 1358, 67 (1988) (Clause encompasses States); Story, Commentaries Constitution 1348 (3d 1858) (object "is secure regularity, punctuality, fidelity, disbursements added)). course ongoing proceeding—the purpose all, ownership see, Propeller Commerce, 66 (1 Black) 575, 580-581, 107 (1861); Maggie Hammond, 435, 456, 772 (1869); Jennings Carson, (4 2, 531 (1807)—can considered Tyler Defrees, 331, 349, 161 (1870), forfeitable occurred fact, "[n]o title [can] proceedings, decree." Contrary broad submission here, Comptroller certain situations, deposit corrected 53 580 (1974); 45 724 (1966); 762 (1924); Comp.Dec. 733, 735 (1906); 5-79 5-81. Most arisen intended accidentally another. unrealistic, authorization data processor misplaces decimal point "undo" inaccurate funds. absolutist scope inconsistent commonsense understandings. 22 forbid owner. Because therefore disgorged adjudged rightful owner, petitioner's favor IV proceeding, power confiscate showing mere cause, right crucial safeguard abuse. No Nor place out reach. Accordingly, lose remanded further consistent ordered. 25 REHNQUIST THOMAS*, join write separately, analysis set forth III. "would owner." Ante, reaches concludes "public money." accepting proposition money, disputed. my stems support theory. 27 stated: "[I]f paid treasury, them far become vested they secured former through Congress. treasury withdrawn law." distinguishable appropriations arose. money—and statutory appropriation—would seem transcend facts Knote. exists appropriation," 1322(b)(2), supports understanding. principally (1871), occurred, ante, dictum deciding sufficiency Marshal's even holding application present here Government. failure controversy 29 provides part: 30 "(a) Necessary amounts appropriated pay awards, compromise settlements, costs otherwise — "(1) provided for; 32 "(2) certified General; 33 "(3) award, settlement payable 34 "(A) section 2414, 2517, 2672, 2677 28. ." 1304. 35 Title turn, authorizes "final States." Together, 1304 2414 36 inquiry required, said "does create all-purpose fund disbursement. basis based substantive compensation express terms statute." 2475, (1990). question, then, "substantive compensation" speaks "property" converted resting construed Therefore, 1304, together requisite 37 below concur 38 concurring. 39 prefer address issue. 40 As indicates, argues bars reaching Treasury's Fund, either moot useless am surprised take transparently fallacious ruling Had Appeals, thought erred rejecting innocent defense, free reverse lower direct States' this, sold, resolution claims 41 Florida, holds, deprive lien, prevent declaring satisfied legal entitlement house. obviously moot. suggest enter refuse reasonable assume obeys debts most people's minds worth very amount. expectation attempt extract whatever held. 42 There about expecting governments satisfy obligations. Thus, Steffel Thompson, 415 452, 468-471, 94 1209, 1220-1222, 505 (1974), discussed comparative propriety entering declaratory opposed injunction. Describing Roe Bolton, explained: "In two cases, declined denied plaintiffs, whom prosecutions pending, injunctive relief restraining enforcement Texas Georgia criminal abortion statutes; instead, affirmed issuance unconstitutionality, anticipating given authorities." 469 [94 1220-1221]. 44 Wade, 410 113, 166, 93 705, 147 (1973): "[w]e withholding relief, prosecutorial authorities full credence statutes State unconstitutional"; Doe 179, 201, 739, 752, 201 (1973) (same). More generally, saying creditor first collect disputed debt, frequently happens losing debtor more. Perhaps, collection problems, meaningless event. same reasons, construe narrowly broadly. Normally, avoid constitutional questions postpone them. Three Affiliated Tribes Fort Berthold Reservation Wold Engineering, P.C., 467 138, 157, 2267, 2279, 81 Liverpool, York Philadelphia S.S. Commissioners Emigration, 33, 39, 352, 355, 899 (1885). apparent, moreover, struggled satisfactory anticipate default help judiciary debt. leave Executive Branch instance, suffers adverse existing liquidate enough position 46 bow, prematurely 47 48 While BLACKMUN's entirety, alternative response. Moreover, reasons stated separate opinion, "such fallacious" unconscionable 49 50 discussion constitute advisory view, applicability 1521 Housing Community Development 1992, 106 3672. Effective October 28, amended 1355 "[i]n disposing appealed, jurisdiction." ----. clear import preserve appeals party—the involved appear plain dispositive rendering academic opinion.* 51 mentions single footnote, stating "we interpret retroactive case." 5. affecting obligations presumed operate prospectively only. Bennett Jersey, 470 632, 639, 105 1555, 1560, 84 572 (1985). "Thus, enactments result." Bowen Georgetown Univ. Hospital, 488 204, 208, 109 468, 471, 102 493 every produce "retroactive effect." "[W]hether retroactive" "depen[d] considers determinative retroactivity prospectivity calculated." Kaiser Aluminum Chemical Corp. Bonjorno, 494 827, 857, 3, 1570, 1578 842 (SCALIA, concurring) original). newly enacted laws restricting enlarging think "determinative event" purposes termination litigation, since speak rather conclusion supported longstanding precedent. always recognized conferred repealed, [is] withdrawn, actions f[a]ll, depend[s] entirely Assessors Osbornes, 567, 748 (1870). "This rule—that, conferring repealed reservation fall law—has adhered consistently Court." Bruner 343 112, 116-117, 72 581, 584, 96 786 (1952). id., 117, 8, 584 (citing cases). specifically "[t]his jurisdictional affect explicit implication." ordinarily mandates Alabama, 362 602, 924, 982 (1960) (per curiam). There, concluded entertain State, affirmed. 603, 926. signed Rights 1960, actions. "familiar principles," decided controlling, provisions [the statute] litigation." 604, 926 added) State," proceedings. Andrus Charlestone Stone Products 436 98 2002, 56 570 (1978), federal-question 1976 eliminate amount-in-controversy suits 1973 respondent allege $10,000 moment." 608, 2005 54 argued implies earlier purposes—such appealed." sufficiently overcome altering applied cases; law. plagued doubts application" 1521, should, minimum, briefing parties embarking me excursion admiralty. legitimate concede law's applicability, advisory. can, do, regarding Clause. retains continuing addressing arguments syllabus constitutes prepared Reporter Decisions convenience reader. Detroit Lumber 200 321, 337, 282, 287, 499. 881(a) reads pertinent "The following them: "(6) All moneys, negotiable instruments, securities, value furnished exchange controlled substance violation subchapter, traceable exchange, securities facilitate except paragraph, omission committed omitted knowledge consent "relation-back" doctrine precluded raising defense. 1567. 91-781, Parcel Land, 13, Compare Lot $25,721.00 938 1417 (CA1 Aiello, 912 (CA2 1990), 111 757, 777 (1991); $95,945.18 913 1106 (CA4 Cadillac Sedan Deville, 1983, dism'd, 933 1010 (CA6 Tit's Cocktail Lounge, 873 141 (CA7 1989); $29,959.00 931 549 (CA9 Appeals' $57,480.05 Currency Other Coins, 722 1457 1984), 1110, Bolina, 811, 813-814 Mass.1812) (Story, Justice) ("[O]nce libelled, she custody law, disposal monitions persons custody, obey injunctions derives supposed officers, And regular perceive irregularity ultimate ineffectual events, results adjudication remain."); J. Wells, Treatise 275 (1880) (actual "And, it; accident, as, accidental fire."). note (part XV, Annunzio-Wylie Anti-Money Laundering Act) significantly provide, things: Upon appealing party, issue, including requiring bond." Stat., Needless say, JUSTICE, writing post, fund, plausible, nevertheless problematic. 311 (1979). favor, financial "acquittal"—a simple forfeitable. Unless bank sue nonforfeitability JUSTICE's approach open nonmoney judgments. acknowledges, Treasury." "be Post, achieve purpose. fund. account, while doubt acceptable petitioner, end episode (although manage balance books) richer, correspondingly diminished. THOMAS joins insofar disposes points out, accidently wrong "unrealistic 'undo' funds." intentionally By dated 30, advised enactment taking applicability. On November informed us controlling.

Category: 8