Document: 482 U.S. 400 107 S.Ct. 2433 96 L.Ed.2d 332 CALIFORNIA, Petitionerv.SUPERIOR COURT OF SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY (Richard Smolin and Gerard Smolin, Real Parties in Interest). No. 86-381. Argued April 22, 1987. Decided June 9, Syllabus The Extradition Act, which implements the Clause of Article IV, requires an asylum State to give up a demanding fugitive against whom properly certified indictment has been lodged. After California custody decree was modified Richard sole his minor children he secured warrant obtain custody, father picked Louisiana, where they were living with their mother. mother then swore out affidavit charging Smolins kidnaping, on basis information filed them violating Louisiana statute prohibiting parent's intentional taking own child from any person awarded by state court competent jurisdiction. Governor formally notified charges demanded that be delivered for trial, Superior Court granted writ habeas corpus block extradition warrants them. Taking judicial notice orders, concluded not substantially charged crime under law. Although Appeal issued mandate ground had abused its discretion, Supreme reversed, finding decrees considered Court, that, full faith credit provisions federal Parental Kidnaping Prevention Act 1980, those conclusively established childrens' lawful custodian at time took ruled crime, since, law, cannot guilty kidnaping Held: prohibits refusing permit extradition. language, history, subsequent construction establish is meant summary procedure, State's courts may do no more than ascertain whether (a) documents face are order; (b) petitioner State; (c) named request extradition; (d) fugitive. Here, only such inquiry doubt have question must answered affirmative since proper form, dispute wife's affidavit, incorporated reference therein, set forth facts clearly satisfy each element defined parental statute. Their contention requirement Roberts v. Reilly, 116 80, 95, 6 291, 299, 29 L.Ed. 544, "substantially charged" permits into instrument sufficient withstand generalized motion dismiss or common-law demurrer without merit. To contrary, requisites met, entertain defenses determine guilt innocence party. Thus, it fraudulent, as children's provision were, accordingly, Pp. 405-412. 41 Cal.3d 758, 225 Cal.Rptr. 438, 716 P.2d 991 (1986), reversed. O'CONNOR, J., opinion REHNQUIST, C.J., WHITE, MARSHALL, BLACKMUN, POWELL, SCALIA, JJ., joined. STEVENS, dissenting opinion, BRENNAN, joined, post, p. 405—412. J. Robert Jibson, Sacramento, Cal., petitioner. Dennis P. Riordan, San Francisco, respondent. Justice O'CONNOR Court. 1 At issue this case limits imposed law upon proceedings challenging warrant. 2 * Judith divorced 1978. Sole two children, Jennifer Jamie, subject reasonable visitation rights Richard. Until November 1979, all parties remained Bernardino County, California, apparently paid support exercised serious incident. In August however, married James Pope, November, Mr. Pope's work required family relocate Oregon. When Popes moved informing Richard, battle over began earnest. 3 It unnecessary recite detail ensued. alleged, later found, deliberately attempted defeat Richard's preclude him forming meaningful relationship course succeeding relocations Oregon Texas Louisiana. On February 13, 1981, obtained granting original order awarding Judith. served but did appear proceeding. Before issued, sought modification underlying decree, joint Though served, these proceedings; and, though order, neither complied terms, nor existence. January instituted action find contempt again modify custody. court, 4 This also ignored Popes, acting advice counsel longer jurisdiction matter. fact physical years. finally located adoption proceeding, described "verging fraudulent," sever legal tie Jamie. App. 51. securing 27, 1984, father, resorted self-help. March Jamie waiting school bus Slidell, brought back California. 11, submitted 1981 764, n. 4, 441, 991, 994, (1986). Those still pending before courts. 5 Meanwhile, raised stakes instituting criminal 30, after Pope her asserting acted "without authority remove [her] custody." B Pet. Cert. 6. Assistant District Attorney 22d Judicial William Alford, Jr., counts La.Rev.Stat.Ann. § 14:45 (West 1986), 14, "simple kidnaping" trial. Cal.3d, 763, Cal.Rptr., 440-441, P.2d, 993-994. early petitioned anticipated warrants. 17, 24, orally various orders issued. "that findings adequately demonstrate fact, process initiated Mrs. declarations affidavits totally insufficient either herself personally . Louisiana." C 5. discretion blocking reluctantly writ: 7 "Although we abhor Judy's apparent willingness take advantage our system further battle, sympathetic [the Smolins'] position, conclude arguments irrelevant address: order." 16. 8 A divided majority interpreted Court's crime. found conclusion correct. Under 28 U.S.C. 1738A, determined taken California.* Finally, Elliott, 171 La. 306, 311, 131 So. 28, 30 (1930). We certiorari, 479 982, 568, 93 572 consider Clause, Art. 2, cl. 18 3182, prevent grounds. II 9 Federal Constitution places certain sovereign powers States, essential part Framers' conception national identity Union. One limit Clause: 10 "A Treason, Felony, other Crime, who shall flee Justice, another State, Demand executive Authority fled, up, removed having Jurisdiction Crime." 11 obvious objective should become safe haven fugitives sister justice system. As noted first opportunity construe 12 "[T]he statesmen framed fully sensible, complex character Government, fail unless States mutually supported General Government; nothing would likely disturb peace, end discord, permitting offender laws passing mathematical line divides another, defy process, stand ready, protection repeat offence soon offered." Kentucky Dennison, 24 How. 66, 100, 16 717 (1861). 13 does specifically procedure interstate place, never self-executing. See, e.g., Hyatt People ex rel. Corkran, 188 691, 708-709, 23 456, 458, 47 657 (1903); supra, How., 104. Early lack led bitter between Virginia Pennsylvania. Scott, Law Interstate Rendition 5-7 (1917). 1791, Pennsylvania three men free black man selling slavery. refused comply Pennsylvania's demand. controversy President Washington who, relying Randolph, National Papers United 1789-1817, pt. II, pp. 144-145 (E. Carzo ed. 1985), appeared Congress enactment regulate process. responded enacting 1793, provides current form: 14 "Whenever Territory demands justice, produces copy made magistrate Territory, committed treason, felony authentic governor chief whence so fled cause arrested secured, notify making demand, agent appointed receive fugitive, when appear." 3182. 15 held 1793 exercise Congress' 1, "prescribe manner acts, records proved, effect thereof." 105; Prigg Pennsylvania, 539, 618-622, 1060 (1842). By express terms therefore, bound deliver make clear intended procedure. repeatedly held, "to kept within narrow bounds"; "emphatically" appropriate place entertaining determining Biddinger Commissioner Police, 245 128, 135, 38 41, 43, 62 193 (1917); see also, Michigan Doran, 439 282, 288, 99 530, 534-535, 58 521 (1978); Drew Thaw, 235 432, 440, 35 137, 138-139, 59 302 (1914); Pierce Creecy, 210 387, 405, 714, 720, 52 1113 (1908); re Strauss, 197 324, 332-333, 25 535, 537, 49 774 (1905). inquiries left prosecutorial authorities whose duty justly enforce subject, course, limitations States. U.S., S.Ct., 43; 138-139. met. leaves four issues open consideration up: 17 "(a) state; fugitive." 289, 535. argue length about propriety prior But even if otherwise proper, remains noticed relevant one inquiries. persons meet technical definition "fugitive." light earlier violation Louisiana's statute, 1986). Section 14:45A(4) 19 "intentional taking, enticing decoying away removing state, parent, child, consent custodian, intent said child." 20 Smolin. based sworn asserts: 21 " 'On approximately 7:20 a.m., 22 kidnapped aged 10, C. affiant's while stop St. Tammany Parish, "The affiant virtue dated 5, attached hereto hereof. regarding actual kidnapping told witnesses Mason Galatas Cheryl 2028 Mallard Street, Jimmie Huessler 2015 Dridle custody.' 5-6. If accept true every view, ends purposes Act. argue, formal charge required, citing following language 299-300, 544 (1885): 26 "It appear, demand presented, can lawfully it, first, alleged 27 "[This] always papers inquiry, application discharge corpus." claim spawned widespread practice petition courts, show some version demurrer. Tr. Oral Arg. 29-36. cases principally rely asserted Lewis Correction City New York, 100 Misc.2d 48, 417 N.Y.S.2d 377 (1979), aff'd, 75 App.Div.2d 526, 426 969 (1980), Application Varona, Wash.2d 833, 232 923 (1951). See Brief Respondent 15-17. Lewis, York trial actually despite misgivings substantiality charge. Misc.2d, 56, N.Y.S.2d, 382. And, relied indictment, face, Wash.2d, 833-834, 923-924. Neither case, supports broad proposition motions demurrers State. permitted. For example, decided Roberts, grant relief multiple objections sufficiency indictment. enough "the good bad, pleading, unmistakably describes false swearing, Penal Code. ." 404, 719. reasoned: "If impose writs corpus, critical examination jurisprudence general acquaintance. Such intolerable burden, lead errors decision, irritable just pride fruitful miscarriages justice. ought assumed plainly Constitution, there letter spirit performance." Id., 720. 31 Similarly, (1917), appellant argued seemingly valid defense years, period, elapsed date recited publicly openly resident entire period. 439-440, 138 (whether escape mental institution "is decide"). 32 proceeding Smolins' fraudulent 1980. There record suggest entirely correct this: exclusive Jamie; decrees, California; violate 1986) charged. Of 1980 creates uniform rule governing determinations, adhere merits. informed why eager force halfway across continent least meritless. correct, innocent them, victims possible abuse But, courts: "surrender interfered speculations what result place." 139. judgment 33 Reversed. 34 BRENNAN joins, dissenting. constitutional statutory reason scope need precludes case. settled century requesting extradition, crime" (1885).1 prerequisites Ibid. Because possibility simple valid, I agree addition, makes daughters thus travel 36 preceding extremely restricted because expected "a acquaintance." (1908). Nevertheless, precedents allegation "impossible law," 96, 300, refuse Munsey Clough, 196 364, 373, 284, 515 (1914), conspiracy obstruct due administration laws; plotting insane committed. Holmes' could decide "did tend law." 439, 138. Even inquire "upon matter tried," Holmes nevertheless "reasonable possibility" "may such." 138.2 37 acknowledged "an objection which, well founded, destroy might conceivably go far crime." nature. Likewise, (1905), Ohio peace barrier facts, observed availability balanced avoid injustice: true, urge, sometimes wrongfully extradited, particularly like present; creditor wantonly swear debtor obtaining goods pretences. While will endeavor wrong successful, hand care burdened practically valueless." 537. 39 undertaken "impossibility law" convicting therefore injustice defines part, as: 40 parent my limited California's decrees. permissible direct bearing 42 conviction impossibility reasons. First, Act,3 years convicted Second, regardless believed retained His act accomplished court. Third, believe determination, logically departing is, short, possibility—and certainly possibility"—that conduct violated cited papers.4 sensible twin necessities avoiding trial-like preventing legally impossible charge, leads me affirmed. 43 heavy reliance dicta (1978), misplaced. Doran review determination probable fugitive's arrest—an unrelated omitted word "substantial" description surely eliminate recognized decades. McNichols Pease, 207 108-109, 58, 60, 121 (1907) (accused State"); Ex parte Reggel, 114 642, 651, 1148, 1153, 250 (1885) (indictment accompanying requisition crime). recognition longstanding requirement, Uniform Criminal both adopted, specifies "indictment, information, state." U.L.A. 92 (1974); La.Code Crim.Proc.Ann., 263 1967); Cal.Penal Code Ann. 1548.2 1982). 44 inapposite validity depended period expired offense foreclose tolled. 131-132, 42-43. common thread Biddinger, court's reach merits litigated examinations entangle unfamiliar endanger nature proceedings. relief, "[t]here deeper pending." 401, 718; cf. Pacileo Walker, 449 86, 87-88, 101 308, 309, 66 304 (1980) (per curiam ) (California erred directing prison conditions Eighth Amendment). dangers posed respondent kidnaping.5 45 Prima facie proof accused State" "condition precedent surrender accused." 652-653, 1153-1154. Deeming "fugitive justice" serve purpose Clause. designed boundaries becoming impermeable walls system" "safe haven." Ante, 406 (quoting (1861)); Jones Helms, 452 412, 419, 2434, 2440, 69 118 (1981) (State's right necessarily qualifies citizen's travel). fugitivity teeth it;6 mere markings atlas, anywhere Union extent person's culpable connection State.7 necessary constitutes subjected answer offence, territory another." 97, 300-301 (emphasis added). "For convert incurred there." Strassheim Daily, 221 280, 285, 558, 560, 55 735 (1911) (citing supra ). Appleyard Massachusetts, 203 222, 227, 122, 123-124, 51 161 (1906). 46 Despite sweeping previously rejected outside offense, "constructive presence" liability. wrote: "When conceded, committed, arrest constructive presence time, defendant. 691 [23 (1903) ], affirming Appeals, 172 N.Y. 176 [64 N.E. 825 (1902) ]." 374-375, 284-285. 48 South Carolina Bailey, 289 421-422, 53 667, 671, 77 1292 (1933); 109-110, 60-61, (1907); 1153. today reject notion holds extradited kidnaper. Three reasons compel conclusion. fleeing lacks prosecution. acts consistently governs disputes, deemed allowing custodial branded implicitly approves non-adherence determinations. 50 requiring cross-purposes "discourage continuing controversies custody" "deter abductions unilateral removals awards." 1738A note.8 Compelling conviction, less "child snatching," coerced transportation party forum private interest. anomalous deter former type coercion, discourage latter.9 construed expressions command relations among several "articulated, mandatory concepts comity credit, immediately clause IV." 287-288, 534-535. best principle, considering giving judgments rendered commanded performing task meaning request; commit Hogan O'Neill, 255 52, 223, 65 497 (1921). III scrupulously fair recital frank acknowledgement reasoning follows adopts overly restrictive view questions rendering pose. rendition impossible. Moreover, area seen fit enact nationwide legislation, respect indiscriminately render citizens conclusorily conferred contrary will, fear, produce inconvenience provide estranged parents inappropriate weapon use wage disputes throughout land. respectfully dissent. decree. 770, 446, 999 1738A(d) ("The section continues long [such State] residence contestant"); 1738A(f) ("A same if—. (2) jurisdiction, declined determination"). 709-710, 372-373, 283-284, (1905); 718, "When, here, person, grand jury allege such, constitutionally 139, (1914) supplied). ante, aware information. He believed, 'he viewed being void, misrepresentations, 1981.' 993, speculation inadequate overcome holder determination. An exists "friction delay," indicates "routine basic inquiry" existence "has frustration process." 296-297, 7, (1978) (BLACKMUN, concurring result). "Any interpretation accompanied magistrate, authentic, limits, imposes surrendering him, although satisfied, incontestable proof, had, justice." 652, (1885). context extradition—a form sister-state indictments—no laws, "[s]tate irrelevancies licenses disengage." Brilmayer, Credit Due Judgments Laws: Respective Roles Process Full Faith Context, 70 Iowa L.Rev. 112 (1984). establishing deters snatching." Field, Sources Law: Scope Common Law, Harv.L.Rev. 881, 959, 340 achieves circumstances conform standards. §§ 1738A(a), (c)-(g). forum-shopping incentive favor parent. 103. Indeed, explicitly pointed Fugitive Felon 1073, move "in foreign commerce prosecution flees, flees" applies kidnaping. note. available, instances, assistance Bureau Investigation apprehending abductors. generally Donigan, Child Custody Jurisdiction: Legislation Reflects Public Policy Against Abduction, Gonz.L.Rev. 64-66 (1983-1984) (Department interpret require routine involvement abductions). assertions interest regulating abduction particular vigilance

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