Document: 528 U.S. 152120 S.Ct. 684145 L.Ed.2d 597 SALVADOR MARTINEZ, PETITIONERv.COURT OF APPEAL CALIFORNIA, FOURTH APPELLATE DISTRICT No. 98-7809. Supreme Court of the United States Argued November 9, 1999 Decided January 12, 2000 Syllabus Accused converting a client's money to his own use while employed as paralegal, petitioner Martinez was charged by California with grand theft and fraudulent appropriation another's property. He chose represent himself at trial before jury, which acquitted him but convicted embezzlement. then filed timely notice appeal, motion himself, waiver counsel. The Appeal denied based on its prior holding that there is no constitutional right self-representation direct appeal under Faretta v. California, 422 U. S. 806 , in this held criminal defendant has conduct defense when he voluntarily intelligently elects proceed without counsel, id., 807, 836. state court had explained counsel stems from Due Process Equal Protection Clauses Fourteenth Amendment, not Sixth Amendment based, denial level does violate due process or equal protection. Martinez' application for writ mandate. Held: Neither 's nor reasoning requires State recognize conviction. Although some applicable appellate proceedings well trials, are significant distinctions. First, historical evidence relied identifying self-representation, S., 812 -817, useful here because it pertained times lawyers were scarce, often mistrusted, readily available average person accused crime, whereas since been recognized every indigent assistance appointed see Gideon Wainwright, 372 335 . Moreover, unlike Faretta, provide any support an affirmative self-representation. Second, reliance Amendment's structure interpreted light English colonial background, 818-832, relevant here. Because deals strictly rights include Abney States, 431 651, 656 necessarily follows itself basis finding Faretta' s inquiries into practices, 821 -824, do extending case conviction England until 1907. Third, although conclusion knowing intelligent must be honored out respect individual autonomy, 834, also context, absolute, 835. Given Court's apply proceedings, autonomy principles grounded Clause. Under practices prevailing Nation today, entirely unpersuaded risk disloyalty court-appointed attorney, suspicion such disloyalty, underlies trial, sufficient concern conclude necessary component fair proceeding. clearly within their discretion government's interests ensuring integrity efficiency outweigh invasion appellant's interest narrow preclude recognizing constitutions. Pp. 3-12. Affirmed. On certiorari supreme california Stevens, J., delivered opinion Court, Rehnquist, C. O'Connor, Kennedy, Souter, Thomas, Ginsburg, Breyer, JJ., joined. concurring opinions. Scalia, judgment. Justice Stevens Court. 1 Amendments our Constitution guarantee brought federal afforded can validly punished imprisonment.1 In (1975), we decided "has so." Id., 807. statement arguably embraces entire judicial proceeding, phrased question whether may "constitutionally hale courts force lawyer upon him, even insists wants defense." Ibid. Our extended only defendant's "constitutional Accordingly, specific confined defend oneself trial. We now address different applies becomes appellant assumes burden persuading reviewing should reversed. have concluded not. 2 * describes self-taught paralegal 25 years' experience 12 law firms. See App. 13. While office assistant firm Santa Ana, $6,000 use. two-count information property another. claimed " `there wasn't attorney earth who'd believe me once saw my past [criminal record].' 15. jury Count 1, theft, 2, found three convictions; accordingly, California's "three strikes" law, imposed mandatory sentence 25-years-to-life prison. Cal. Penal Code 667(d) (e)(2) (West 1999). motion, did issue case, previously explained: 3 "There initial right. protection clauses foundation based. guarantees." People Scott 64 4th 550, 554, 75 Rptr. 2d 315, 318 (1998). 4 granted raised both expressed conflicting views.2 526 1064 (1999). affirm. II 5 majority inter-related arguments. examined protected beginning Nation, -817. 818-832. though "is undeniable most prosecutions defendants could better counsel's guidance than unskilled efforts," "must `that lifeblood law.' Illinois Allen, 397 337, 350-351 [(1970)]." 834 Some trials. There are, however, 6 always crime.3 For one who obtain lawyer, feasible alternative asserting all. Thus, recognition comparable bestowing homeless beggar "right" take shelter sewers Paris. Not surprisingly, early precedent demonstrates used advantage shield, rather prosecution sword. principal cited illustrative. Adams ex rel. McCann, 317 269 (1942), existence unrepresented waived jury.4 7 It recognized, (1963). individual's decision longer compelled necessity choosing over incompetent nonexistent representation; rather, more likely reflects genuine desire `conduct cause words.' 823 (footnote omitted). Therefore, correct concluding abundant proposition centuries, original reasons protecting same availability competent displaced need--although desire--for 8 scant pertaining less helpful. description 35 Judiciary Act 1789, Stat. 92, states "the parties plead manage causes personally ... ." arguable language encompasses appeals Assuming statutory expressly limited phrase "as rules said courts." 92. Appellate maintained allow litigants "manage causes"--and done so effectively.5 That opportunity, consistently subject each court's rules. 9 aware consensus establishing appeal. might, nonetheless, paraphrase assert: No Colony ever forced appellant, spokesman suggested practice would tolerable advisable. 832. Such negative meaningful fact "[dog] barked"6 demonstrated lawmakers intended preserve "long-respected self-representation" Historical silence, probative context simply long-respected fact, relatively recent origin. 10 Appeals first century review sort "rarely allowed." n. (1977). also, generally Washington became constitutionalize explicitly 1889.7 similarly cases common "limited" used."8 inquiry 11 majority's relevant. identifies basic shall enjoy "all prosecutions." They presented preparation itself. As "[t]he presently know cases, purely creature statute." Abney, nontextual interpretation included examination British jurisprudence reference opprobrious Star Chamber. -824. These again process, Griffin Illinois, 351 21 (1956) (Frankfurter, judgment); Edw. VII, ch. 23 (1907). Indeed, none many safeguarding placed either Faretta. See, e.g., Douglas 353, 356-358 (1963); Griffin, 13 Finally, part autonomy. This consideration is, course, seeking case. "[t]o lead contrives against him." review, surely similar will skeptical government prosecuting serve undivided loyalty. Equally true related observation bear consequences ibid. 14 prevail doubt instances disloyal representation rare. trials question, performance ineffective. Even those reasonable assume effective what provided himself. 15 one, including majority, attempts argue rule pro se wise, desirable efficient.9 "fundamental" nature, 817, clear standard, exception. Patterson 487 285, 307 (1988) (noting "strong presumption against" counsel). taught us "a usually bad defense, particularly compared experienced attorney."10 16 absolute. `voluntarily intelligently' elect 835 (quoting Johnson Zerbst, 304 458, 464-465 (1938)), require manner.11 "made dangers disadvantages self-representation." S, A judge terminate appoint "standby counsel"--even objection--if necessary. 46. further standby participate express consent defendant, long participation "seriously undermin[e]" "appearance jury" representing McKaskle Wiggins, 465 168, 187 (1984). Additionally, duty personal instruction courtroom procedure perform legal "chores" normally carry out. 183-184. level, therefore, outweighs acting lawyer. 17 balance between two competing tips favor State. status retains innocence throughout changes dramatically returns guilty verdict. shifting focus noted: 18 "[T]here differences stages purpose stage State's point view convert presumed innocent beyond doubt... 19 "By contrast, ordinarily State, initiates fend off efforts prosecutor overturn guilt made below." Ross Moffitt, 417 600, 610 (1974). 20 words "hal[ing] 807 requirement trained implies disrespect inasmuch tends benefit court. Courts, still exercise lay se. already leave courts' discretion, keeping best prisoner mind," in, present at, oral argument. Price Johnston, 334 266, 284 (1948). Considering change position survive felony compelling motivating Yet overriding efficient administration justice remains strong level. III 22 foregoing reasons, neither narrow. Its impact minimal, well-established conclusions during Schwab Berggren, 143 442 (1892), argument, Price, 285 -286. Meanwhile governing presumably other well, seem protect ability make filings. Wende 3d 436, 440, 600 P. 1071, 1074 (1979); Anders 386 738 (1967). requiring Martinez, these circumstances, accept state-appointed deprived judgment affirmed. ordered. NOTES: Powell Alabama, 287 45 (1932); 458 (1938); Argersinger Hamlin, 407 (1972). Compare Myers Collins F. 249, 252 (CA5 1993) (finding extends appeals); Campbell Blodgett 940 549, 549 (CA9 1991) (same); Chamberlain Ericksen 744 628, 630 (CA8 1984) Commonwealth Rogers 537 Pa. 581, 583, 645 A. 223, 224 (1994) Van Pelt 305 Ark. 125, 127, 810 W. 27, 28 (1991) Webb 274 Ind. 540, 542, 412 N. E. 790, 792 (1980) 533 780, 784 (Tex. Crim. 1976) (same), Gillis 773 560 (CA4 1985) appeal); Lumbert Finley 735 239, 246 (CA7 Hill So. 1271, 1272 (Fla. 1995) Gillespie 898 (Tenn. 1994) (same). "The colonists them appreciation virtues self-reliance traditional distrust lawyers. When Colonies settled, `the synonymous cringing Attorneys-General Solicitors-General Crown arbitrary Justices King's all bent opposed prerogatives, twisting secure convictions.' prejudice gained strength where `distrust institution.' Several prohibited pleading hire 17th century. persisted 18th lower classes came identify upper class.' years Revolution Confederation upsurge antilawyer sentiment, `sudden revival, after War Revolution, old dislike 826 -827 (footnotes omitted) Similarly, 813 predicate upholding important e.g ., Mackreth Wilson, 31 Ala. 191, 193, 112, 113 (1943) (failure request equaled "election" ); Lockard 92 Idaho 813, 822, 451 1014, 1023 (1969) (court uphold uncounseled plea, despite claims coerced); Nelson 47 Ill. 570, 268 (1971) (defendant's indictment plea); Allen 324 Mass. 558, 562-563, 87 192, 195 (1949) (life upheld unable procure counsel); Westberry 254 44, 46 (Me. 1969) (guilty plea failed claim indigency Hollman 232 489, 499, 102 873, 878 (1958) (right But Thomlinson 78 D 235, 237, 100 121, 122 (1960) (vacating failure himself); Penderville Utah. 281, 287, 272 195, 199 (1954) Cappetta 204 913, 918 1967) rev'd, Capetta 216 749, 750 1968) voluntary ). SEC Sloan, 436 103 (1978) ( respondent argued, briefed, prevailed Second Circuit Court). Conan Doyle, Silver Blaze, Complete Sherlock Holmes 383, 400 (1938). Lobsenz, Constitutional Right An Appeal: Guarding Against Unacceptable Risks Erroneous Conviction, Puget Sound L. Rev. 375, 376 (1985). right, almost historically form discretionary review. generally, Orfield, Criminal America 215-231 (1939). J. Stephen, History Law 308-310 (1883). critics certain akin allowing waive Farhad 190 1097, 1106-1107 1999) (Reinhardt, specially), cert. pending, 99-7127. Decker, Shoot Oneself Foot: Assessment Guarantee Self-Representation Twenty Years Seton Hall Const. 483, 598 (1996). 544-550 (collecting cases). 24 Kennedy concurring. To resolve unnecessary cast rationale (1975). accepted quite sound, yet follow Different considerations system, explains why so. With observations, I join 26 Breyer 27 agree opinion. Scalia writes separately underscore continuing validity note judges closer firing line sometimes dismay about practical holding. 1107 (concurring opinion) "frequently, always, conflicts squarely inherently trial"). empirical research, might help determine whether, general, furthers, inhibits, Constitution's fairness. And factual believing proved counterproductive practice, reconsider assumptions underlie 29 share apparent skepticism today's concerning (often curiously described merely majority") Framers Constitution, suspicious enough governmental power--including power--that they insisted citizen's judged independent private citizens, acceptable compulsory assignment Government rested Clause correct. 30 often, usually, work disadvantage remarkable--and withdrawing right--than proceeding custodial interrogation, confessing works disadvantage. system laws presumes being fully informed, knows need dictated Any approach unworthy free people. Frankfurter eloquently put (1942) acceptance imprison man privileges call Constitution." 280. event, extent decide seems answered McKane Durston 153 684, 687-688 (1894). Since could, far concerned, trial-court determinations whatever, fortiori consists nonadversarial reexamination convictions panel experts. Adversarial questionable that. 32 concur

Category: 0