Document: 375 U.S. 277 84 S.Ct. 424 11 L.Ed.2d 331 Zebedee HARDY, Petitioner,v.UNITED STATES. No. 112. Argued Nov. 21, 1963. Decided Jan. 6, 1964. Mozart G. Ratner, Washington, D.C., for petitioner. Louis F. Claiborne, respondent. Mr. Justice DOUGLAS delivered the opinion of Court. 1 Petitioner, a pauper, has been convicted and sentenced to prison. After conviction court-appointed lawyer, who represented him at trial, withdrew his appearance with approval court. The present attorney is different person, appointed by Court Appeals after indigent had prepared pro se petition leave appeal in forma pauperis. District denied Appeals, although empowered allow (Coppedge v. United States, 369 438, 455, 82 917, 926, 8 21), merely allowed petitioner proceed pauperis purposes 'to extent having stenographic transcript testimony evidence presented government expense States,' as those parts were only ones that relate conclusory allegations' formulated defendant se. See Ingram 114 U.S.App.D.C. 283, 315 F.2d 29, 30—31. rehearing was denied, moved balance proceedings This motion divided Bench. case here on certiorari. 373 902, 83 1293, 10 198. 2 We deal federal system where matter right supra, 441, 919, 21; 28 U.S.C. §§ 1291, 1294), appellant entitled 'the aid counsel unless he insists being own.' Johnson 352 565, 566, 77 550, 551, 593. Congress buttressed several ways. It provided § 1915 any court may authorize an 'appeal' pauperis, except such not be taken if trial certifies 'it good faith.' Further, available purposes, Reporter Act, 753(b), 'by shorthand or mechanical means' 'all criminal cases open court' shall made. States Attorney Columbia adopted practice furnishing indigents full request cost more than $200.1 That policy draws distinction statute nor Rules which provide that, when allows it then determine 'whether, what extent, will necessary proper determination appeal.' D.C.Cir.Rule 33(b)(2)(i). 3 have yet allowed. But whether seeks entire stage later on, problem seems us same. 4 A represents gets public expense, minimum, relevant points error assigned. Coppedge 446, 921—922, supra.2 when, here, new appeal, how can faithfully discharge obligation placed read transcript? His duty possibly discharged less th t. For Rule 52(b) Federal Criminal Procedure provides: 'Plain errors defects affecting substantial rights noticed they brought attention court.' notice 'plain defects' illusory no least one whose lawyer enters ended.3 5 we noted Ellis 356 674, 675, 78 974, 975, 1060, serve amicus but advoca e appellant: 6 'Normally, allowance should until adequate representation counsel. In this case, appears two attorneys performed essentially role amici curiae. advocate required. If convinced, conscientious investigation, frivolous, course, ask withdraw account. satisfied diligently investigated possible grounds agrees counsel's evaluation denied.' (Italics added.) 7 statutory scheme do reach consideration constitutional requirements. see escape from conclusion either requirements nonfrivolous prescribed are met, showing sought made, often make seem obtain transcript. conclude cannot also court's charge jury, well prosecution. 9 Reversed. GOLDBERG, whom THE CHIEF JUSTICE, BRENNAN STEWART join, concurring. I join Court's written narrowly within framework prior decisions. concur separately, however, state my interests justice require, under our supervisory power, transcripts provided, without limitation, all defendants afford purchase them, whenever seek prosecute appeal. 12 arises out procedures appeals nonindigent processed other courts. procedure nonindigents, retained generally free bail pending automatic, direct prompt. Within days judgment, files simple clerk Court; purchased filed Appeals; automatically calendar briefing argument merits.1 indigents, incarcerated because their inability bail,2 indirect, dilatory discretionary. key difference while effect, right, must claims frivolous before given permission brief description process courts screen attempts understanding raised case. 13 Following sentencing defendant, cou t-appointed withdraws case.3 preserved, file entry judgment apply application include statement alleged raise Unless concludes 'good faith,' granted. denies who, previously noted, services attorney, claim exists, grant granted, supplied portions relating claims. desires additional portion help prepare merits, order its preparation. 14 made issues applicant substance adequately ascertained face defendant's application, would-be both assistance record sufficient completeness enable attempt * *' presents issue. 921, 21. 'record completeness' interpreted mean relates application. 285, 31. receiving transcript, pre aring memorandum showing, can, issue finds considers given, memorandum. there issue, same described followed would granted originally Appeals. 15 examined himself contain assert nonfrivolous, these alternatives. Deeming function exhausted, ground nonfrivolous.4 appointed, informed submit own support Since rarely add anything original once denial virtually inevitable 16 ordered contains may, decide seeking examination leads suspect specific upon error, production 17 Where find idea remainder disclose claim, conscience allege relevant. Nor he, furnished nonfrivolous. 18 Counsel precisely dilemma resolution asking terminate responsibility denying neither request. Thus now critical screening process. 19 therefore, context raises fundamental questions concerning court, curiae, assessing determining prevailing perfectly suited end. entirely logical give permit reveal However, lawyer—to effective adversary system—then justification limiting illiterate lient permitting—indeed effect requiring—him examining seriously suggested experienced appellate limit designated client even especially Courts infrequently do, reverse convictions errors' trial. 20 '(R)epresentation required.' 1060. enough perform 'essentially curiae.' Ibid. requirement hollow platitude, tools advocate. As attest, most basic tool profession complete through trained fingers leaf eyes roam search lead basis urge change established hitherto accepted principle law.5 Anything short incompatible advocacy. 21 'one ended.' Ante, 280. believe equally applicable No responsible rely exclusively memory (even supplemented notes) composing list delimit required lawyer. An needs preparing supporting pauperis.6 22 further availability depend facts each recently condemned delay surrounds piecemeal series motions final adjudication merits reached.' U.S., 450, S.Ct., 924, One prime reasons 'separate considerations preparation *.' case-by-case approach—regardless governing standard—must inevitably contribute delay. Experience area shown need clear across-the-board rule obviate necessity requests. desiring transcript7 establishing existence n 23 Government suggests prepared, newly presently provided. conduct including interviews judge, prosecuting defense counsel, effort reconstruct events At best, poor substitute disclosing error. Moreover, represent delegate occurred participants formed very errors. Finally, interview unduly burdensome lawyers compensation. General's Committee Poverty Administration observed: 'It far truth say avoid expenses supplying financially disadvantaged shifting burdens compensation reimbursement expenses.'8 24 conclude, equal viability system9 impaired access paying defendant. 'concept 'equal justice' does confuse equality treatment identity treatment.'10 does, require reasonably eliminate factors inhibit assertion' claims.11 25 Providing create undue financial burden Government. Statistics last three years figures indicate almost 90% trials lasted 'transcript three-day $200 *.'12 informs oppose prepare. likely, will, long run, expensive multiple frequent delays.13 costs relatively unimportant compared unnecessary hardship defendants, many during secure review bail.14 agree Judge Learned Hand: 'If keep democracy, commandment: Thou shalt ration justice.'15 26 foregoing discussion me ultimate cause hindered cumbersome obstacles erected agree, Brothers BRENNAN, concurring Coppedge, 458, 928, 'each might consider task could expeditiously responsibly simply' eliminating treating manner paid treated.16 'no priori found considering (in appeals), class, paid,' Id., 449, 923, follow exists erecting artificial barriers '(p)articularly since (these) litigants suffered disadvantages inherent impecunious condition 21.17 continue preliminary granting available, showing. 27 CLARK, result. half dozen ago, clearly directed 'if writing words identical today interpretations stripped them apparent congressional meaning. 593 (1957), said wishes contest validity certificate 'enabled show justify finding 566 551 Farley 354 521, 1371, 1529 claimed insufficient conviction, point. year 1060 (1958), appeare 'performed curiae,' held 'representation required,' ibid., vacating concession Solicitor General question probable necessarily called frivolous. 1962 held: 29 merit, sense bound, prevail ultimately. He heard, makes rational law facts. Government, opposing attempted lacking indeed, so merit dismiss docketed able complying requirements.' 448 922 30 Today faced indigent, Court, plain problem, met above language namely sustain frivolity insofar concerned. furnish petitioner's likewise pass 31 While dissented Farley, feel bound holdings therefore result here. doing, trust adopts Act similar legislation* provides representing tried 32 HARLAN, dissenting. 33 think not, name exercising powers, engraft 1915.1 holding convict who—following certification faith—has received direction copy germane asserted theory discover error.' 34 Four members go further. They comp ete course appellants, acted p. 288. And recognizing thus advantaged over pay suggest fairness appellants impoverished, them. 289, n. 7. Although majority stops propositions, done expansive positions force? Be step derogation consistently maintained view, cases, simply economically better situated will. 593; Griffin People State Illinois, 351 12, 20, 76 585, 591, 100 L.Ed. 891; Eskridge Washington Board Prison Terms & Paroles, 357 214, 216, 1061, 1062, 1269; Draper 372 487, 495, 774, 778—779, 899. 35 Granting caught up recent pronouncements (see J., ante, pp. 296—298) recommended report Committee,2 time come comprehensive overhauling system, undertaking appropriately accomplished action, collaboration Judicial Conference adjudications Especially meet innovation today, countrywide affects treasury unknown degree, wisdom judged abstract limited data 36 balanced solution unforeseeable ramifications requires views firing line administration judges, Circuit attorneys, Legal Aid Societies—and exploration differing conditions among Circuits. concluded nationwide sort unsound, best left discrete Councils various Circuits, subject limitations. Remotely day-to-day workings hesitate promulgate blanket based largely theoretical considerations. Cf. Sanders 1, 23, 1068, 1081, 148 (dissenting writer). 37 dispose remanding light subsequent decision 29. understand rest grounds, could. During oral respondent stated initiated, lower courts, filing opposition exceed $200. usually days. feels terms dollars, According pursuant 'tacit' understanding, grants unopposed said: '* filed, therein (e.g., 'insufficiency evidence,' 'unlawful seizure,') nature 'their ascertained,' and, simultaneously, allegations merit. Of initially advance requiring transcript.' Boskey, Right Appellate Proceedings, 45 Minn.L.Rev. 783, 792—793 (1961), speaking did says: operating serious handicaps. Normally acquaintance personal knowledge form sound judgment. stage, independent analysis proceedings. 'In investigate involves 'not plainly frivolous' issues, examine formal documents court; client; discuss prosecutor; try work prosecutor 'agreed statement' despite fact lacks information assure agreed accurate one; official reporter courtesy back certain reporter's notes (or one); suggested—though perhaps too much regard practicalities some situations—that judge inspect kept Such efforts apt incredibly time-consuming frustrating, sometimes arouse feeling advised future assignments work. worse instances wholly unsatisfactory means safeguarding rights. 'Recollections others faulty incomplete. Frequently, seen—let alone assessed—without reading Particularly true judge's charge; types questions. actual (if inspect) constitute error,' though aware existence; opportunity wealthy short, freshly entering normally likely partial indispensable requisite 'dependable record' obtained evaluating case.' 39(d) that: 'Unless earlier hearing, set date soon expiration period permit. Preference civil cases.' Pannell 115 379, 320 698; Bail Junior Bar Section Association Columbia, Report System (1963). Permitting probably reflects recognition serving uncompensated skills possessed lawyers. By noting hiatus period, intend signify approval. phase follows: '(T)he ten preserved. assigned practices conceive part obligations advise assist perfecting district routinely rights, ignorance jurisdictional requirements, irrevocably lose unable affidavit form, incapacity relied redress Because provision proceedings, inexpertly conceived, frequently resulting injury justice.' Justice, (1963), (hereinafter cited Report). chose recently, freely See, e.g., Tatum 88 386, 190 612; Durham 94 228, 214 862, A.L.R.2d 1430; Currens, Cir., 290 751; McDonald 120, 312 847; Miller 116 45, 767. Under prevailing, problems arise become moot. Indigence 'must conceived relative concept. improverished accused totally devoid means.' Report, 8. deemed 'at (his) lack . substantially inhibits prevents assertion (particular) right.' defined reference particular asserted. Thus, muster resources, friend relative, itself establish nonindigence purpose purchasing retaining 102. 10—11: 'The essence challenge. survival values advances depends constant, searching, creative questioning decisions assertions authority stages performance vital health adjudicatory functions. follows status impedes vigorous challenges, constitutes threat system. imperiled large numbers persons employ modest large, indeterminate, persons, defense, finance defense. Persons suffering disabilities incapable providing challenges satisfactory operation loss individuals, occasioned failures, (is) great apparent. situation accusation offensive equity. Beyond considerations, produced detrimental ng vitality thereby occasioned, significantly endangers community.' 9. Special reprinted Brief A—9, A—16. following observation real system: believes comparative 'hidden costs' First judicial appeals, just Second officials interviewed ordering involving Third time, effort, reimbursement. carefully use compensated longer possible. outset involve payment attorneys' fees spent settle disposition Fourth, obstructs encourage resort prisoners collateral attack sentences losses money occasioned. uniform experience systems 114. 'On (their) (they) strongly every reduce number 2255, habeas corpus, coram nobis.' accessibility quality reduced attacks imposed martial (where expense') absolute minimum.' 109. automatic consistent spirit Bartone 52, 11, observed appropriate, possible, correct reachable rather remit parties proceeding.' 54, 11. William H. Kemp, arising illustrates complexity procedures, attendant delays, injuries accused. procedural history compiled 1960, Dec. 13—-Joint indictment Gray crime housebreaking, petty larceny, unauthorized vehicle. Crim.No. 1033—60. 16—-Kamp pleaded guilty. 1961, Feb. 3—-Gray counts; Kemp acquitted housebreaking motor Mar. 17—-Judgment entered imprisonment years. 21—-Kemp's prepayment faith. Apr. 17—-Application appeals. May 18—-Application panel June 1—-Petition en banc filed. 15—-Petition judges petition. July 14—-Petition writ certiorari Supreme States. 311, Misc. 1962, 14—-Motion 661, 1036, 273; vacated remanded Coppedge. 18—-Per curiam directing expense. 13—-Per reversal remand directions enter n.o.v. appellant. 88, 311 774. arrested November 24, 1960. release, confined 103—104. Address Society New York, 16, 1951. Even assume, argues, placing advantageous position answer deny former; easily latter, broadening concept 'indigency,' note 7, adopting whereby pays rest, resources anyone requests regardless ability. 13, supra. appellee always do.' 113—114: self-defeating abandoned creating unmanageable necessitating expenditures time. Every Committee's predicated assumption prevent inundation increases monetary fears substantial, decisive weight dedicated objective notes, American states—some sufficiently populous reasonable comparisons experiencing approaching magnitude predicted consequence measures believe, also, forecasts inordinate take account proliferation petitions highly time.' S. 1057, proposed passed Senate August Judiciary House Representatives reported favorably compromise bill, H.R. 7457, December 10, 1963, voted legislation floor. '§ 1915. Proceedings '(a) Any commencement, prosecution suit, action proceeding, criminal, therein, security therefor, citizen therefor. affiant's belief redress. 'An

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