Document: 419 U.S. 256 95 S.Ct. 379 42 L.Ed.2d 430 Maurice SCHICK, Petitioner,v.George J. REED, Chairman of the United States Board Parole, et al. No. 73—5677. Argued Oct. 23, 1974. Decided Dec. Syllabus Petitioner, sentenced to death, under Art. 118 Uniform Code Military Justice, by a court-martial for murder, attacked validity Presidential commutation life imprisonment (under which petitioner had served 20 years) conditioned on petitioner's never being paroled. The District Court granted respondents' motion summary judgment. Appeals affirmed, additionally rejecting contention that this Court's intervening decision in Furman v. Georgia, 408 238, 92 2726, 33 346, required be resentenced term with possibility parole, alternative punishment murder 118. Held: conditional death sentence was within President's powers II, § 2, cl. 1, Constitution 'grant Reprieves and Pardons Offenses against States.' Pp. 260—268. (a) executive pardoning power Constitution, has consistently adhered English common-law practice, historically included commute sentences conditions not specifically authorized statute. Wilson, 7 Pet. 150, 8 L.Ed. 640; Ex parte Wells, 18 How. 307, 15 421. 260—266. (b) Since derives from alone, it cannot modified, abridged, or diminished any statute, including Act. 118, supra, did affect sentence. 266—268. 157 U.S.App.D.C. 263, 483 F.2d 1266, affirmed. Homer E. Moyer, Jr., Washington, D.C., petitioner, pro hac vice, special leave Court. Louis F. Claiborne, respondents. Mr. Chief Justice BURGER, delivered opinion 1 In 1960, President, acting authority commuted L. Schick's imprisonment, subject condition he would thereafter eligible parole. challenges condition, we certiorari determine enforceability as so conditioned. 2 pertinent facts are undisputed. 1954 then master sergeant Army stationed Japan, tried before brutal an eight-year-old girl. He admitted killing, but contended insane at time committed it. Medical differed point. Defense experts testified could neither distinguish between right wrong nor adhere when killed girl; board psychiatrists testifying behalf prosecution concluded suffering nonpsychotic behavior disorder mentally aware able control his actions. rejected defense March 27, 1954, pursuant 10 U.S.C. 918. conviction were affirmed Review and, following remand consideration additional psychiatric reports, Appeals. U.S.C.M.A. 419, 22 C.M.R. 209 (1956). 3 case forwarded President Eisenhower final review 71(a) UCMJ, 871(a). acted 25, 1960: 4 '(P)ursuant vested me Article Section Clause put is hereby dishonorable discharge, forfeiture all pay allowances becoming due after date action, confinement hard labor (petitioner's) natural life. This expressly made said Schick shall have rights, privileges, claims benefits arising parole suspension remission laws regulations promulgated thereunder governing Federal prisoners confined civilian military penal institution (18 4201 seq., USC 3662 871, 874), acts amendatory supplementary thereof.' App. 35. 5 action substituted imposed described commutation. Petitioner accordingly discharged transferred Penitentiary Lewisburg, Pa. now years Had originally received been 1969; order barred time. 6 1971, while appeals challenging penalty pending Court, filed suit Columbia require members Parole consider him Parole's judgment unanimously upholding upon prisoner addition, 2—1 vote argument decided June 29, 1972, requires simple term, 1266. We affirm * When was, concedes, valid only President. Absent could, probability would, carried out prior 1972. Only commuting II powers, stipulated, prevented execution court-martial. essence that, light holding anticipate, 'bad bargain' accepting no-parole place does cast claim those terms, course. Rather, argues attached worse position than contested sentence—and remained alive—until imposed. 9 It correct thereby set aside without such However, 1972 because long since commuted. question here whether must read nullifying 1960. Alternatively, even 1960 exceeded imposing Justice. sum, gives rise three questions: First, lawful 1960; second, if so, retroactively void conditions; third, apply courts where asserted vagaries juries present other criminal cases? Our disposition will make unnecessary reach third question. 11 express derives, . except Cases Impeachment.' Although authors clause surely act thoughtlessly, they devote extended debate its meaning. can explained large part fact draftsmen well acquainted Crown alter reduce punishments existed 1787. history power, centuries old, reveals gradual contraction avoid abuse misuse.1 Changes potential actual abuses perceived; example, Parliament restricted grant pardon one who transported overseas evade Habeas Corpus Act, allow pardons drain Great Writ vitality. There limits, few number similarly defined.2 12 At drafting adoption our considered elementary prerogative exercised conditions: 13 'It seems agreed, That king may extend mercy what terms pleases, consequently annex thinks fit, precedent subsequent, performance whereof depend.' W. Hawkins, Pleas 557 (6th ed. 1787). 14 Various types conditions, both nonpenal nature, employed.3 For common felon another place, indeed own Colonies recipients numerous subjects 'banishment.' practice questioned despite British generally forced realm Act banishment rarely crime. idea later developed subject's consent transportation necessary, most cases simply 'agreeing' should spared. Thus, requirement legal fiction best; reality, granting commutations banishment, exercising equivalent completely independent legislative authorization.4 Holdsworth, History Law 569—575 (1938). short, 1787 unfettered enumerated limitations. consistent pattern adherence practice. records Constitutional Convention, noted earlier, reveal little discussion II. first report Committee Detail proposed read: 'He (the President) reprieves pardons; pleadable bar impeachment.'5 limitation impeachments tracked similar restriction royal Blackstone, Commentaries *399—400. An effort Convention amend finally emerged reflected James Madison's Journal August 1787, note appears: 16 'Mr. Sherman moved 'power pardons' 'to until next session Senate, Senate." M. Farrand, Records p. (1911). 17 amendment 8—1. Ibid. confirms England intended free control. Later Edmund Randolph add words "except treason." description Randolph's reflects familiarity form practice: 'The these (treason) too great trust.' Id., 626 (emphasis added). proposal 8—2, adopted form. Thereafter, Hamilton's Federalist 69 summarized pardon, 'resembl(ing) equally King Great-Britain Governor New-York.' 69, 464 (J. Cooke 1961).6 19 see, therefore, spoke 'prerogative' ought 'fettered embarrassed.' law language drawn, conclusion inescapable include do themselves offend provided area view above. 640 (1833), confronted pleaded effective. Marshall held must, 21 'As immemorial nation whose language, judicial institutions ours bear close resemblance; adopt their principles respecting operation effect look into books rules prescribing manner used person avail himself it.' 160, 640. Similarly, 421 (1856), convicted hanged. Fillmore "upon imprisoned during life; is, penitentiary Washington." 308, Later, Wells sought release habeas corpus, contending annexed accepted illegal. His remarkably here: 23 '(A) assumes conferred constitution—that legislates new existence, convict suffer it; way violating government, province first, enact offences ., judiciary, according them.' 309, 24 persuaded. After extensive States, need repeated here, concluded: 25 real (Art. 1) general, class pardons, extending kinds known such, whatever denomination. shown them. 26 'In constitution, giving proper meaning, conditionally inference all, terms. 27 '. (T)he offer ability enforce acceptance, convict, substitution, himself, lesser him, complain executes choice made. 28 ". And man condemned hung permitted escape altogether, pleading duress per minas." 314—315, 29 words, authorizing deal individual pardons. very treat each individually. 30 teachings Wilson followed See, e.g., Grossman, 267 87, 45 332, 527 (1925) (upholding contempt court violated principle separation powers); Garland, Wall. 333, 366 (1867). Additionally, Presidents throughout Nation Such gone unchallenged case, attacks firmly courts. See 41 Op.Atty.Gen. 251 (1955). These insignificant interpretation because, observed Holmes: 'If thing practiced two hundred consent, strong case' overturn Jackman Rosenbaum Co., 260 22, 31, 43 9, 10, 67 107 (1922). III 31 A fair reading itself, unbroken 1790 compels flows enactments, Congress. considerations public policy humanitarian impulses support permit attachment otherwise Constitution. plain purpose broad plenary 'forgive' entirely, specified years, constitutionally unobjectionable. If accept contentions, same challenge made, i.e., available others. tend inhibit exercise frequency hardly open doubt. therefore hold limitations, any, found itself. curious logic petitions retain full benefit yet burdens readily assumed sought. 32 Petitioner's fail. sanctions legislatures mandatory minimum statutes precluding parole;7 derived solely powers; depend UCMJ statute fixing murder. say 'made possible through court-martial's imposition sentence.' Post, 269 270. Of course, aggravate punishment; relevant limited extent. But, shown, constitutional attach Georgia applies military, matter decide earlier. somehow 'unfair' treated differently persons decided. Individual clemency inherently call discriminating choices no same. Indeed, earlier undoubtedly spared Eisenhower's Nor further remedies may, future complete served, relief condition. events altered validity. 34 Affirmed. 35 MARSHALL, whom DOUGLAS BRENNAN join, dissenting. 36 today denies sentence, paying lip service 346 (1972). Because I believe retrospective application us vacate substitute opportunity respectfully dissent. 37 misconstrues retroactivity argument. dispute then-existing law. contend death1 issued Furman, invalidating 'the carrying out' discretionary sentences. 239, S.Ct., 2727. retroactive indispensable vehicle became exist penalty. 38 relationship clear. (UCMJ)2 authorizes crime premeditated murder: entails least Confinement unknown law;3 offense, §§ 877—934; Manual Courts-Martial, Fed.Reg. 10502 (1969). creature 39 unclouded. '(has) hesitated' give decision. Robinson Neil, 409 505, 508, 93 876, 877, (1973). Stewart Massachusetts, 845, 2845, 744 (1972); Marks Louisiana, 933, 2849, 746 Walker 936, 754 curiam struck down cruel unusual violation Eighth Amendment. U.S., 'judgment reversed insofar leaves undisturbed .' 240, results more enjoining execution; nullifies sentencing. post-Furman ensure treatment afforded initially.4 40 ruling aimed eradication adverse consequences violations rule. recognized importance erasing 'root branch' consequences, direct indirect, violations. McConnell Rhay, 393 3, 89 32, 33, (1968); Linkletter Walker, 381 618, 639, 85 1731, 1743, 601 (1965). effective procedure demonstrated decisions counsel state felony trials. Pickelsimer Wainwright, 375 84 80, (1963); Kitchens Smith, 401 847, 91 1089, 519 (1971); Burgett Texas, 389 109, 88 258, 319 (1967); Tucker, 404 443, 589, 592 fully resolve. provide 'shall direct.' Appeals, declared unconstitutional null imprisonment—must substituted. Concomitantly, consequence sentence—the commutation—must also voided, exceeds original parole.5 suggests touted panacea defects Unfortunately, case. cure disabilities punishment. expert states: 44 'Unlike absolve beneficiary offense.'6 threat 'he suffered continues enhancement punishment—the loss statutory parole—as result illegally sentence.'7 vestige violation. stays decided, there doubt vacated instead. situation different Executive sentence—in permanent stay execution. Nullification provision relieve burden clear resentencing eligibility 46 majority devotes scope am compelled comment. quarrel proposition source offenses impeachment. Biddle Perovich, 274 480, 47 664, 71 1161 (1927). Commutation defined substitution type actually trial.8 issue expansion unencumbered addition proscribing went beyond implementing prescribe adjudication either 918; 10704. take annexation 'no-parole Constitution.' Ante, 267. my limits power. imbused create unauthorized punishments. 48 congressionally prescribed mark boundaries authority.9 By virtue abstain enforcing authorities; not, aegis engage lawmaking adjudication. Cf. Benz, 282 304, 311, 51 113, 115, 75 354 (1931) (an elemency abridges enforcement judgment, qua judgment); ex rel. Brazier Commissioner Immigration, 162 (CA2 1924), (pardon embrace deportation prisoners). 49 While function federal jutstice system10 punitive grants not. Prescribing reserved branch legislature. As consequence, coincide legislature crime,11 much less specific usurpation function. proper, embraced power.12 50 advances antecedent holdings legality Neither body established define extra-legislative punishments.13 historical status analysis non-penal supply relevance here. annals dubious recounts copious detail evolution England. 260—262. 309—313, (1856). references dictum; itself admonishes, (pardon) alone.' 266. Accordingly, primary resource analyzing republican system government. Grosjean American Press 297 233, 248—249, 56 444, 448—449, 80 660 (1936). doctrine vest unrestrained 274—275, views functions distinct coordinate branches. 262—264. early experience dispositive.14 52 'annex (a condition) bounty' limitation. *401. case: 53 sovereign England, prerogatives crown, authorize.' How., 323 (McLean, J., dissenting). 54 Even quoted Blackstone proposition, 547 (8th 1824), suggestion unlimited King. fact, discussed nonpunitive nature. Coles Case, Moore K.B. 466, 72 Eng.Rep. 700 1597); Coke, Commentary Littleton 274b (19th 1832). acknowledges instances placed restrictions monarch's 260. critical role felons letter addressed member House Lords: 55 'There anything old law-books; capital Geo. 4, c. 84, s. ..' Forsyth, Opinions 460 (1869). King's thus majority's indicates. discretion dispense incorporate invade assessing B 57 Contrary suggestion, framework undermined 483, (1927), Solicitor General '(a) milder inflicted court.' Holmes, writing unanimous related '(b)y understanding death.' 487, 661. 'only Homes' reference proceeds sanctions. penalize 58 hampered upheld term. mitigation depriving rights inconsistent rejection conditions. acknowledged limitations mandated 'according law; 310. faced ambit commutations: 59 'So, exile commutable punishment, unless legislation.' 313. 60 remaining relies sustain minimal easily distinguished.15 61 chooses mindful 62 '(t)he appropriate diverse Congress, particularly Amendment.' Bell 349 U. S. 81, 82, 620, 622, 99 905 63 242 42, 72, 74, 129 (1916). Congress delegated but, elects import mandates sanctioned legislature.16 64 defective face extra-legal nature action. nullify lower available—life parole—and attendant benefits. 203 Institutes 233 1680); Comyns, Digest Laws 230 (5th 1822); Chitty, Prerogatives 90—91 (1820); *398. Typical stated period time, n. *401, serve Armed Forces. D. Hume, Crimes 481 (2d 1819). expressed authorization essential use Crown. 313, dictum incorrect. about abolished retained continued 575. 185 74 Hamilton enlarged point: 'Humanity good conspire dictate, benign fettered embarrassed. code every country partakes necessary severity, easy access exceptions favor unfortunate guilt, justice wear countenance sanguinary cruel. sense responsibility always strongest proportion undivided, inferred single ready attend force motives, might plead rigor law, apt yield considerations, calculated shelter fit object vengeance. reflection, fate fellow depended sole fiat, naturally inspire scrupulousness caution: dread accused weakness connivance beget equal circumspection, though kind.' pp. 500—501 1961). 848(c); Mass.Gen.Laws Ann., 265, (1970); Nev.Rev.Stat., Tit. 16, 200.030, 6, 200.363, 1(a) But see Part infra. 918, reads: 'Any who, justification excuse, unlawfully kills human being, he— '(1) design kill; May 5, 1950, 169, Stat. 140. incarcerated penitentiaries governed applicable prisoners. Under 4202—4203 (1973 Supp. II), inmate satisfied 15-year prerequisite consideration. 858. Likewise, facility 952—953. Where trial court, automatically appellate State Johnson, Ohio St.2d 106, 285 N.E.2d 751 Commonwealth Bradley, 449 19, 295 A.2d 842 Anderson State, So.2d 8, (Fla.1972); judge direction Capler 268 338 (Miss.1972); Square, 263 La. 291, 229 Garcia 501 P.2d 1128 (Ok.Cr.1972). Nothing inapplicable military. carves prohibition opinions five-member recognize basis excluding Forces protection list four affected decision, Brother Stewart, statutes. 2761, persuasive Powell dissent states 'numerous provisions voided.' 417—418, 2818. Beyond Trop Dulles, 356 86, 78 590, 630 (1958), Amendment divided servicemen wartime desertion, disagreement enacted incorporated Bill Rights Tempia, 629, 634, 249, 254 Jacoby, 428, 430—431, 244, 246—247 (1960); Jobe, 276, 279, 350, 353 (1959). rather jury imposes irrelevant. severe, offensive reason, 314—374, 2764—2796 (Marshall, concurring). Moreover, discrimination Brethren concerned evident Humbert, Pardoning Power (1941). 270, 1273 (1973) (Wright, emanate source, represent clearly forms clemency. Whereas conscience relieves recipient conviction. 1924); Chapman Scott, 156, 159 (Conn.1925), aff'd, 690 (CA2), cert. denied, 270 657, 354, 70 784 (1926); Note, Clemency Capital Cases, N.Y.U.L.Rev. 136, 138 (1964); 27; Black's Dictionary 351, 1268—1269 (4th 1968). expanded notion stating: '(T)he department. crime, ordain punishment.' Wiltberger, Wheat. 76, 95, (1820). 871(a), outlines convictions. With exception alternatives authorization. mandate limiting appear blush unduly Draconian. already indicated, text accompanying supra. federal-law recognition context dealing continuing narcotics enterprises. 848. Guided drug offenders narrow universal H.R.Rep. 2388, 84th Cong., 2d Sess., 11, cites Attorney Brownell, (1955), statement 'Presidents (frequently) statute.' involved death; separate supplies reasoned interpretations bears 312—313; id., 322 governors Farmers' writings fail account fervently drafters. National Mutual Ins. Co. Tidewater Transfer 337 582, 1173, 1556 (1949); Madison) 1961); Corwin, President; Office Powers 140 (1940). Corwin notes: (pursuant direction)—he mitigate them original). turned technical referred pardon. (1867), (1925), focused aspect unchallenged. emphasis criminal, raised tangential manner. likens 'sanctions similarity close, view. precisely invaded domain

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